 Zapata playing for Milan in 2013 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Cristián Eduardo Zapata Valencia | ||
| Date of birth | 30 September 1986 | ||
| Place of birth | Padilla, Colombia | ||
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 1 1⁄2 in) | ||
| Playing position | Centre back | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Milan | ||
| Number | 17 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Deportivo Cali | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2004–2005 | Deportivo Cali | 25 | (0) |
| 2005–2011 | Udinese | 168 | (5) |
| 2011–2013 | Villarreal | 28 | (0) |
| 2012–2013 | → Milan (loan) | 23 | (0) |
| 2013– | Milan | 13 | (0) |
| National team‡ | |||
| 2007– | Colombia | 20 | (0) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 23 November 2013.
† Appearances (Goals).
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 19 November 2013 | |||
Cristián Eduardo Zapata Valencia (born 30 September 1986 in Padilla, Cauca) is a Colombianprofessional footballer. He currently plays for Italian Serie A club Milan as a defender, usually as a centre back. He can also play at full-back on either side as he is comfortable with both feet, although naturally right footed. In May 2013, Zapata signed a contract with his current club, Milan, until 2016.[1]
Club career
Udinese
Zapata was signed by Udinese on 31 August 2005 from Deportivo Cali, along with team-mate Abel Aguilar.Both of them played at, and were scouted by Udinese at, the U-20 World Cup. On 18 September 2006, Zapata signed a new 5-year contract.[2] That season he started 35 Serie A games.[2] Cristián Zapata employed Claudio Pasqualin (of P.D.P. srl) as his agent on 21 February 2006, but fired on 9 July 2007. In 2009 the Tribunale Nazionale di Arbitrato per lo Sport awarded Pasqualin eligible to receive €38,900 as agent fee that Zapata owed Pasqualin (5% of annual salary times 2 seasons, 2006–07 and 2007–08).[2]
In October 2007, Zapata along with Andrea Dossena, Roman Eremenko and Simone Pepe were awarded new contracts until June 2012.[3][4]
In June 2008, Zapata was injured[5] and missed 6 months.
In 2009–10 season, Zapata usually played as central defender, partnered with Andrea Coda.
Villarreal
After the 2010–11 season, Cristián Zapata claimed that many top European clubs were after him. He has since stated "I do not know what to say, I can say that I am very close to a deal happening".[citation needed]Zapata signed for Villarreal CF on 12 July 2011. On Wednesday 17 August 2011, in the 2011–12 season, Cristián Zapata made his debut against Udinese in a Champions League qualifier.
Milan
In August 2012, Villarreal announced that Zapata has left the club to join Milan on a season-long loan.
Zapata made headline news in the Champions league against Spanish giants Barcelona. With Milan's opening in a 2–0 victory of the first leg, the ball was deflected on to his hand considered a handball by many and landed in front of Boateng who made a goal soon afterwards. However, given that he held both arms back in a neutral position, the referee called it 'fair play' due to the fact that he did not deliberately attempted to touch the ball with his hand. Thus, allowing Kevin-Prince Boateng's goal as counted as well as granting Zapata an 'assist'. It is also noted that the replay showed the ball making contact with his face. Thus giving the possibility that his hand never made contact with the ball.[6]
In his first Milan derby against Inter Milan, Zapata was praised greatly for what was perhaps his 'best game' defending and playing a key role in counter-attacks. The game ended in a 1–1 draw.
In May 2013, it was reported that Milan would sign Zapata on a permanent deal. On 23 May 2013, Zapata signed a contract with Milan until summer 2016.[7][8]
International career
Zapata was a member of Colombian U-20 team that won the 2005 South American Youth Championship and the team that plaeyd at 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, who lost to Argentina in the round of 16. Zapata was injured in the first 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match.
In the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match, Zapata finally got his first spot chance since under new coach Jose Pekerman against South American leaders Argentina. In the 26th minute, while defending the ball inside Colombia's box from Gonzalo Higuaín, Higuain fell to the side while losing balance and kicked the thigh of Zapata in anger. In reaction, Zapata questioned him and kicked him back, resulting in receiving a red card along with Higuain. Zapata was later criticized for not controlling himself and allowing the referee to give Higuain the red card while simply walking away, which would have allowed Colombia a 11 men advantage over a 10 men Argentina.[9]
Honours
Club
- Deportivo Cali
International
- Colombia U-20
