Biography
Who is Manuel Almunia?
Early Career and Spanish Roots
Manuel Almunia Rivero was born in Pamplona, Spain. He began his path in the sport with the reserve team of CA Osasuna in 1995. During these early years, he gained experience in the Segunda Division B, playing for FC Cartagonova and CE Sabadell FC.
In 2001, he joined RC Celta de Vigo. While at that club, he went on loan to teams like SD Eibar, where he secured the Ricardo Zamora Trophy during the 2001 to 2002 season. He later played for Recreativo de Huelva and Albacete Balompié in the top flight of Spanish football before moving to England.
Time at Arsenal
Manuel joined Arsenal on July 14, 2004. He served as backup to Jens Lehmann initially. His first competitive appearance for the London club occurred in October 2004 during a League Cup match against Manchester City. He became a significant figure in the 2005 to 2006 UEFA Champions League campaign, entering as a substitute in the final against FC Barcelona after Lehmann received a red card.
By the 2007 to 2008 season, he established himself as the primary goalkeeper for the team. He signed a new four-year contract in June 2008. During his time at Arsenal, he participated in 175 official matches and was part of the squad that won the 2005 FA Cup. He departed the club when his contract ended in June 2012.
Watford and Final Years
After leaving Arsenal, Manuel signed a one-year agreement with Watford in July 2012. He replaced Scott Loach in the squad. His first appearance for the Championship team was in a League Cup match against Wycombe Wanderers, where he kept a clean sheet.
In May 2013, he made a crucial double save from a penalty kick during the play-off semi-final against Leicester City. This helped his team advance to a decisive match against Crystal Palace. He signed a contract extension in July 2013 to remain for another season. Following his departure in 2014, he retired from professional football due to medical advice regarding a heart condition. Later, in 2016, he transitioned into coaching, taking the role of goalkeeping coach at Al Jazira Club in the UAE Pro League.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond his professional duties on the pitch, Manuel Almunia maintains interests outside of the sport. His brother served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in Kosovo. Manuel also developed a strong interest in history, specifically relating to the Second World War.
During his time playing for Arsenal, he frequently visited historical sites related to that conflict before traveling for European matches. He never represented the Spanish national team, though he stated a desire to play for England if he did not receive a call-up from Spain.
Birthday and age
Manuel Almunia was born on May 19, 1977, which makes Manuel 49 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Manuel shares the date with 53 other famous people.
Explore more
