Quick Facts
Biography
Rafael 'Rafa' García García (born 14 January 1986) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder.
Football career
Born in Ciudad Real, Castile-La Mancha, García began his career in the youth ranks of Albacete Balompié. After unsuccessful stints with Real Madrid (also youth) and its neighbours Getafe CF he signed with another side from the capital in 2009, Rayo Vallecano.
García made his debut for the main squad on 13 September 2009, in a 1–1 Segunda División away draw against Girona FC. He appeared in 24 matches in his first season, adding 17 in the following – nine starts, 782 minutes of play – to help his team return to La Liga after an eight-year absence.
García played his first game in the top division on 1 October 2011, featuring the second half of a 1–1 away draw against Racing de Santander. On 31 January of the following year, after only having collected a further 106 minutes in the league, he was loaned to Xerez CD in the second level, until June.
García was forced to halt his career in early October 2012, after it was revealed he suffered from a heart condition. On the 29th, after the pertinent exams, the club announced he had been cleared to resume his activity.