Tiko (footballer)

For other people with the same name, see Roberto Martinez (disambiguation).
Tiko
Personal information
Full name Roberto Martínez Rípodas
Date of birth (1976-09-15) 15 September 1976
Place of birth Pamplona, Spain
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing position Midfielder
Youth career
Osasuna
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1995–1997 Osasuna B 62 (7)
1997–1999 Osasuna 38 (7)
1999–2009 Athletic Bilbao 198 (21)
2008–2009 → Eibar (loan) 16 (0)
Total 314 (35)
National team
2002 Spain 1 (0)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.


This name uses Spanish naming customs: the first or paternal family name is Martínez and the second or maternal family name is Rípodas.

Roberto Martínez Rípodas (born 15 September 1976), known as Tiko, is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a central or a defensive midfielder.

He was known for his powerful shots[1] and creative play, his long-range efforts being dubbed Tikotazo.[2] Over the course of 12 professional seasons he played mainly for Athletic Bilbao, appearing in 230 official games for his main club (nearly 200 in La Liga) and scoring 26 goals.

Club career

Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Tiko emerged through the ranks of hometown CA Osasuna, alternating between the A and B-sides for some time, with the former competing in the second division. His professional debut came on 10 May 1997, as he scored an injury time-winner at CD Badajoz (1–0).

In 1999–2000 Tiko moved to neighbours Athletic Bilbao, making his La Liga debut on 12 October 1999 in a 4–3 away win against Málaga CF. He would make 20 appearances all competitions comprised during the season, netting once.

From 2001 to 2006, Tiko was an undisputed starter in midfield for the Basque Country team, often scoring from free kicks and dictating Athletic's play. In his final two seasons he was severely hampered by injuries[3] and the emergence of Javi Martínez and Carlos Gurpegui, playing in just seven league matches combined.

In August 2008, deemed surplus to requirements, Tiko joined SD Eibar in the second level, on a one-year loan deal.[4] Upon his return to Bilbao following the team's relegation, he was immediately released, and retired from the game shortly after.

International career

Tiko topped a brilliant 2001–02 campaign (32 games, seven goals) with his sole cap for Spain, playing in a friendly with the Netherlands on 27 March 2002 as the national team lost 0–1 in Rotterdam.[5]

Personal life

Tiko's younger brother, Francisco (nicknamed Txitxo), is also a footballer and a midfielder. He played exclusively in the lower leagues, also representing Osasuna B.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Spain round-up: Tiko inspires win; UEFA.com, 12 January 2002
  2. ↑ Peligro: "Tikotazo" (Danger: "Tikotazo"); Diario Equipo, 4 December 2003 (Spanish)
  3. ↑ Athletic dealt Tiko injury blow; UEFA.com, 9 October 2006
  4. ↑ Con las botas a otra parte (Taking your boots elsewhere); Diario de Navarra, 27 December 2008 (Spanish)
  5. ↑ Ensayo preocupante (Worrying rehearsal); Mundo Deportivo, 28 March 2002 (Spanish)
  6. ↑ Txitxo at BDFutbol
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