Miguel Ángel Ruiz (footballer) explained

Miguel Ángel Ruiz
Fullname:Miguel Ángel Ruiz García
Birth Date:5 January 1955
Years1:1975–1977
Years2:1977–1987
Years3:1987–1990
Years4:1990–1991
Caps2:262
Caps3:93
Caps4:1
Totalcaps:356
Goals2:17
Goals3:6
Goals4:0
Totalgoals:23

Miguel Ángel Ruiz García (born 5 January 1955) is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a central defender.

Club career

Ruiz was born in Toledo, Castilla–La Mancha. He made his professional debut with Atlético Madrid in 1977. From the 1979–80 season onwards he was an essential defensive unit for the Spanish capital club, rarely missing a La Liga fixture when healthy and helping the side to two major titles; he was part of the team that reached the final of the 1986 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, appearing in the decisive match against FC Dynamo Kyiv (3–0 loss).[1]

In the summer of 1987, following 356 competitive games at the Vicente Calderón Stadium,[2] Ruiz joined CD Málaga of the second tier along with his Atlético teammate Clemente, going on to experience both one promotion and relegation with the Andalusians.[3] He retired in 1991 at the age of 36, after contributing only one minute to Albacete Balompié's first-ever promotion to the top flight.[4]

Subsequently, Ruiz worked as general manager for Atlético Madrid,[2] CD Tenerife,[5] Valencia CF[6] and Albacete. In late November 2009 he left his post at the latter club, who was facing severe economic difficulties.[7]

Honours

Atlético Madrid

1984–85[4]

1985[4]

Málaga

1987–88[3]

Albacete

Notes and References

  1. Web site: European Competitions 1985–86. RSSSF. James M.. Ross. 10 December 2012.
  2. News: Miguel Ángel Ruiz deja el Atlético. Miguel Ángel Ruiz leaves Atlético. Mundo Deportivo. Spanish. 22 October 2018. 22 September 2023.
  3. Web site: El Málaga, el club con más ascensos en España. Málaga, club with the most promotions in Spain. Vavel. Álvaro. Moreno Campos. Spanish. 26 April 2018. 22 September 2023.
  4. Web site: Miguel Ángel Ruiz. El Sitio de Mis Cromos. Spanish. 5 January 2023. 22 September 2023.
  5. News: Miguel Angel Ruiz nuevo director deportivo del Tenerife. Miguel Angel Ruiz new sporting director of Tenerife. Diario AS. Spanish. 31 May 2002. 22 September 2023.
  6. News: Miguel Ángel Ruiz, nuevo director deportivo. Miguel Ángel Ruiz, new sporting director. Super Deporte. Spanish. 25 June 2007. 22 September 2023.
  7. News: Miguel Ángel Ruiz: "Con mi ausencia se paga el sueldo de diez empleados". Miguel Ángel Ruiz: "With my absence the club can pay ten employees". Diario AS. Spanish. 23 November 2009. 22 September 2023.