Fernando Belluschi
Quick Facts
Biography
Fernando Daniel Belluschi (locally: [beˈluʔtʃi], Italian: [belˈluski]; born 10 September 1983) is an Argentine midfielder currently playing for San Lorenzo de Almagro from Argentine Primera División.
Belluschi's best position is as an attacking midfielder, or playing just behind the forwards as a link between midfield and attack, although his playing attributes are suited to a wider position.
Club career
Belluschi started playing professionally at Newell's Old Boys in 2002, with whom he won the 2004 Apertura Championship. He moved to River Plate in 2006 and with the departure of Marcelo Gallardo to Paris Saint-Germain following the 2006 Apertura, he was named team captain, a position he would fill for two years. He then joined Olympiacos for reported €6.5 million in early 2008.
On 6 July 2009, FC Porto bought Belluschi's playing rights and 50% economic rights for €5 million. The other 50% is owned by private investment company Rio Football Services Ltd. He signed a contract until 2013 with a release clause of €30 million.
In 2012 he was sent on loan from FC Porto to Genoa C.F.C., under a purchasing option of €3.5 million or €5 million if the club qualifies to the UEFA Europa League.
Porto sold its 50% economic rights on Belluschi for €1.05 million in summer 2012.
On July 10, 2015, Cruz Azul signed on a free transfer. Belluschi's current salary is 1.1 million EUR. He debuted for the team coming on as a substitute in the 61' minute for an injured Marc Crosas in the Clasico Joven. He didn't get his international pass until the Clasico Joven which is why he was unable to participate in any league games up to that point. Belluschi has yet to score for Cruz Azul, but had his chance by kicking a penalty during week 11 against Atlas but it was blocked by their goalkeeper Miguel Angel Fraga.
On January 26, 2016, San Lorenzo de Almagro signed the 32 year old on a free transfer.
International career
Belluschi has won five caps for Argentina, where his second came against Chile on 18 April 2007.
Personal life
Belluschi is married to Florencia, whom he met in his home city of Los Quirquinchos. They started dating when he was 17 and they have been together since then. He is best friends with fellow professional footballer Ignacio Scocco, and both served as best men at each other's wedding.
Belluschi also holds an Italian passport, due to his Italian ancestry from the province of Pavia, where his paternal great-grandfather emigrated from.
Honours
Club
- Newell's Old Boys
- Argentine Primera División (1): Torneo Apertura 2004
- Olympiacos
- Superleague Greece (2): 2007–08, 2008–09
- Greek Cup (2): 2007–08, 2008–09
- Porto
- Portuguese League (2): 2010–11, 2011–12
- Taça de Portugal (2): 2009–10, 2010–11
- Portuguese Supercup (3): 2009, 2010, 2011
- UEFA Europa League (1): 2010–11
- UEFA Super Cup: Runner-up 2011
- San Lorenzo
- Supercopa Argentina (1): 2015
International
- Argentina
- South American Youth Championship (1): 2003