Pablo Ibáñez

Pablo Ibáñez Tébar (born 3 August 1981), sometimes known as just Pablo, is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a centre back.

Pablo was born in Madrigueras. He began his football career in the youth teams of his local professional club, Albacete, with whom he earned promotion from the Segunda División to La Liga in 2003. A year later, he signed for Atlético Madrid where he made nearly 200 appearances over six seasons. His career with Atlético was marred by controversy when one of the 2006 presidential candidates for their city rivals Real Madrid claimed that a deal was in place for Real to sign Pablo should he win the election. Although he re-established himself in the Atlético team, contributing to a fourth-place finish in 2008, he played increasingly rarely towards the end of his time with the club, and in 2010 he moved to England. He spent a season with Premier League club West Bromwich Albion and two with Football League Championship (second-tier) club Birmingham City.

At international level, Pablo was capped 10 times for Spain's under-21 team before making his first appearance for the senior national team in 2004. He went on to earn 23 caps and represented his country at the 2006 World Cup.

Club career

Early life and career Pablo was born in Madrigueras, in the Province of Albacete in Castile-La Mancha, the son of a member of the Policía Nacional. He grew up in Leganés, in the greater Madrid area, where his father was stationed, and played football as a midfielder or occasional forward for a team in the district of El Carrascal. His parents had connections with the Albacete club, and at the age of 14, Pablo began his football career in that club's youth teams where he was converted to play in central defence. He worked his way through the junior teams, but instead of moving up into Albacete's B team, he was sent on loan to Caravaca, who were then playing in the Tercera División (fourth tier). On returning to his owning club, he played the 2001–02 season for Albacete B, also in the Tercera. He was a regular starter, and helped the team reach the promotion play-offs but without success. National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals

Honours Albacete Segunda División promotion: 2002–03

Atlético Madrid Copa del Rey: runner-up 2009–10