Santi Denia


Santiago Denia Sánchez, commonly known as Santi, is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a central defender, and is a manager.
He appeared in 297 La Liga matches over 11 seasons, with Albacete and Atlético Madrid. He won the 1996 league championship with the latter club.

Club career

Born in Albacete, Castile-La Mancha, Santi began playing professionally with hometown's Albacete Balompié. He made his La Liga debut at age 18, and automatically became an undisputed starter in a side that constantly managed to retain their top flight status.
In the summer of 1995, Santi signed with Atlético Madrid, being crowned league and Copa del Rey champion in his first season as part of a defensive line which also included club youth graduates Juan Manuel López and Roberto Solozábal. He appeared in 37 league matches during the campaign.
Following Atlético's 2000 relegation, Santi gradually lost his importance in the team's plans. In 2004–05, after the signing of Pablo Ibáñez – who also came from Albacete – he featured in no games at all during the first half of the season, and was subsequently allowed to leave on loan in January 2005 for his first club. The move was made permanent in June and he retired after two more years, with Albacete now in the second division.
Santi eventually returned to Atlético Madrid in early February 2009, as assistant to newly appointed Abel Resino who had replaced Javier Aguirre. He was a caretaker manager for the game against RCD Mallorca on 24 October, before the appointment of Quique Sánchez Flores.

International career

Santi was capped twice for Spain, his debut coming on 11 October 1997 in a 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Faroe Islands. He still featured in a friendly win over Sweden in March 1998, but did not make the final cut for the final stages in France.
Previously, Santi appeared for the nation at the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Honours

Club

Atlético Madrid
Spain U21