Emilio Urdiroz

Emilio Urdiroz Apezarena (11 February 1906 – 23 February 1974), also known as Urdiroz I, was a Spanish footballer who played as a forward for Real Zaragoza and CA Osasuna, and later a manager of Osasuna. His brothers Filo and Martín (Urdiroz II) also played football for Osasuna.

Early life Emilio Urdiroz was born on 11 February 1906 in Agoitz, Navarre, into a working-class family committed to football and Navarrese socialism. His father, Leandro Urdíroz Larequi, died in a tragic work accident, hit by a train, at the El Irati company, and his mother, Feliciana Apezarena Labayen, when widowed, moved to Pamplona, bringing eight children with her.

In 1928, Urdiroz was signed by Osasuna of Segunda División, where despite playing in 14 matches, he was unable to avoid relegation to the Tercera División, but together with José Antonio Urreaga, the Bienzobas brothers (Anastasio and Francisco), and his own younger brother Martín, they returned to the Second division just two seasons later. A meniscus injury forced him to retire prematurely.

Urdiroz was forbidden to return to Pamplona, so he settled in Tudela, where after coaching CD Tudelano between 1941 and 1942, he was rescued by Osasuna of the second division, who was in a moment of crisis, but he managed to save the team from relegation and led them to a third-place finish. In the following season, however, he could not avoid relegation to the third division.

Death In order to protect them, Emilio told his children to not get involved in politics.

Urdiroz died on 23 February 1974, at the age of 68.