Biography
Who is José Enrique?
Early life and real name
Full name is José Enrique Sánchez Díaz. He is Spanish. He was born in Valencia, Spain. He started his playing days at Levante. He later moved to Valencia CF. He spent one season on loan at Celta Vigo. In 2006, he signed a contract with Villarreal CF.
Career at Newcastle United
Newcastle United signed José Enrique on August 6, 2007. The transfer fee was about £6.3 million. He signed a deal for five years. He debuted on August 29 against Barnsley. His first Premier League game was on September 23 against West Ham United.
Fans voted him Newcastle United Player of the Season for 2009 to 2010. He was also part of the PFA Team of the Year for the Championship that year. He scored his only goal for this club on March 29, 2010, against Nottingham Forest. During the 2010 to 2011 season, he played 36 Premier League matches.
Time at Liverpool
Liverpool signed him on August 12, 2011, for £6 million. He debuted two days later in a draw against Sunderland. He helped the team win the Football League Cup in 2012 against Cardiff City. He also played in the 2012 FA Cup final, where they lost to Chelsea.
On April 1, 2012, José played as a goalkeeper for 13 minutes against Newcastle. This happened after Pepe Reina was sent off. He scored his first goal for the club on November 17, 2012, against Wigan Athletic. Under Brendan Rodgers, he often played as a left wing-back.
He made his UEFA Champions League debut on October 1, 2014, against Basel. He captained the squad in January 2016 during a match against Exeter City. A knee injury limited his appearances in his final three seasons. Liverpool released him after the 2015 to 2016 season.
Final club and retirement
José signed with Real Zaragoza on September 7, 2016. This club played in the Segunda División. His contract was for two years. He debuted on October 8 in a loss to Sevilla Atlético. He scored a goal on November 5 against RCD Mallorca.
He announced his retirement on September 6, 2017. A persistent knee injury forced him to stop playing.
Health and personal life
Doctors diagnosed him with a rare brain tumour called chordoma in May 2018. He had surgery to remove the tumour on June 23, 2018. He shared that he was recovering and felt life was precious. He received an all-clear in April 2019. He is 184 centimeters tall.
Birthday and age
José Enrique was born on January 23, 1986, which makes José 40 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. José shares the date with 26 other famous people.
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