Cristian Darío Álvarez


Cristian Darío Álvarez Azad is an Argentine professional footballer who plays for Spanish club Real Zaragoza as a goalkeeper.

Club career

Born in General Lagos, Santa Fe, Álvarez came through the youth ranks at hometown club Rosario Central, making his first-team debut in a Copa Libertadores game against Paraguayan side Cerro Porteño on 23 February 2006, a 0–2 home loss. He went on to fully establish himself as first-choice, playing two seasons in the Primera División.
In late May 2008, Álvarez joined Spanish team RCD Espanyol, signing a five-year contract. He spent most of his spell with the Catalans restricted to Copa del Rey matches, being barred in La Liga by Cameroonian Carlos Kameni: his longest run in the latter competition came during the 2009–10 season as the starter had been selected to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and he played four matches, conceding as many goals in two wins, one draw and one loss.
Álvarez was promoted to first-choice for the start of the 2011–12 campaign by manager Mauricio Pochettino, with Kameni also still in Espanyol's roster.

Honours

San Lorenzo