Pirri Mori

Francisco Javier Mori Cuesta (born 10 November 1970), known as Pirri, is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a midfielder.

He was successful during the 1990s, playing for six years in La Liga. Most notably, he played a part in Atlético Madrid's double winning season in 1995–96.

Career

Pirri was born in Cangas de Onís in the autonomous community of Asturias, and began his career with nearby coastal club Ribadesella. His form for Ribadesella earned him a move to one of Asturias's largest clubs, Real Oviedo, in 1991. Playing initially in the reserve team, he was promoted to the senior squad in 1992, and played a significant part in that season's La Liga campaign. He made his La Liga debut on 5 September 1992 against Logroñés at the Estadio Las Gaunas, as Oviedo were beaten 1–0 by the hosts. He scored his first and only goal for Oviedo at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere on 19 December 1992, on the team's way to beating visitors Real Burgos 3–0. Ultimately he played 30 times to help Oviedo to 16th place.

His good form earned him a move to Spanish giants Atlético Madrid in the summer of 1993. He missed Atleti's first match of the season, making his debut on 10 September 1993 in a La Liga match against Valencia, away at the Mestalla Stadium. He scored on his debut as Los Rojiblancos managed to hold the hosts to a 2–2 draw. He made his European debut three days later as Atlético travelled to Scotland for the first leg of their UEFA Cup first round tie against Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle Park. The visitors lost 2–1, but later overturned the deficit in the second leg to progress 4–2 on aggregate.

He finally made his home debut on 18 September as Atleti faced Celta Vigo at the Vicente Calderón Stadium. The hosts ran out 3–2 winners. In a match against Barcelona on 29 October Pirri was sent off for the first time in his career, although Los Rojiblancos did beat their illustrious rivals 4–3. as Atlético were crowned La Liga champions for the first time since 1976–77.

Despite this highly successful season, Pirri left Atlético in the summer transfer window to join La Liga rivals SD Compostela. He made his debut on 6 September 1996 as Compostela hosted his old club, Atlético, at the Estadio Vero Boquete de San Lázaro. He was able to help his new club pull of a shock 3–1 victory against the defending champions. He ultimately played 15 times without scoring as Compostela finished 11th, and departed at the end of the season to join Mérida. This would prove to be his only goal for the club, as his 20 appearances could not save them from being relegated in 19th place. Pirri did not return to Mérida when he left Oakwell in the summer, so his two matches with Barnsley were to be his last in professional football.

Honours Atlético Madrid

La Liga: 1995–96 Copa del Rey: 1995–96