Ángel Javier Arizmendi

International career In 2003, without having played any football at the highest level, Arizmendi was called up to the Spain under-20 team that competed at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates, where he scored an extra time winner over Canada in the quarter-finals after coming on as a substitute. The nation went on to finish as runner-up.

Arizmendi made his debut for the senior side in a friendly against England on 7 February 2007, playing the final 25 minutes in a 1–0 victory at Old Trafford.

Controversy During the 2005 Mediterranean Games, Arizmendi controversially celebrated the nation's gold medal carrying a Spanish flag which hailed from the days of Francisco Franco's fascist dictatorship. The player argued it was thrown from the stands at Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos, and that he did not notice the emblem on it.

Personal life After retiring in June 2015 aged 31, Arizmendi took a Master's degree in private banking. He subsequently worked as a financial adviser.

Honours Valencia Copa del Rey: 2007–08

Spain U20 FIFA U-20 World Cup runner-up: 2003

Spain U23 Mediterranean Games: 2005