Roberto Ríos

Roberto Ríos Patus (born 8 October 1971 in Bilbao, Biscay) is a Spanish retired professional footballer who played as a central defender.

Club career

Although Basque-born, Ríos emerged through the youth system of Real Betis, making his professional debuts in the second division in the 1992–93 season. He went on to contribute importantly in the Andalusians' promotion the following year – although appearing in only 19 matches he scored four times – and become a regular first-team member onwards.

In the 1997 summer, following rumours of a transfer to Manchester United earlier in February, Ríos was signed by Athletic Bilbao for 2 billion pesetas, a then-record for a national player. In his first season, he netted twice in 32 contests (including once in a 5–1 home thrashing of CP Mérida, on 21 December 1997) as the Basque side finished runner-up in La Liga.

After spending the first months of the 2002–03 campaign without a club and having played only played 27 games in his last three years at Athletic combined, Ríos trained with West Bromwich Albion. However, in January 2003 he rejected a contract offer from the Gary Megson-led team, stating "I don't want to fool anyone" about his chances of regaining full fitness.

Ríos retired aged 30, due to persistent injury problems. He returned to Betis in 2010, as part of newly appointed manager Pepe Mel's coaching staff.

International career

Ríos was capped 11 times by Spain, with his debut coming on 9 October 1996 in a 0–0 away draw to the Czech Republic for the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. In spite of having appeared significantly during the campaign and coming from a solid club season with Athletic, he was overlooked for the final stages in France.

Personal life

Ríos' father, Eusebio, was also a footballer (and a defender). He too played most of his career at Betis, and later became a coach, also managing the team.

Honours

• UEFA European Championship: Third-place 1994