Óscar Téllez


Óscar Téllez Gómez is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a central defender.
He was mostly known for his Alavés spell, and he made 144 La Liga appearances over six seasons and scored three goals.

Club career

Téllez was born in Madrid. After four years with modest clubs as well as the 1997–98 season in the Segunda División with Deportivo Alavés, he joined Valencia CF for 1998–99 but, having made just one appearance, finished the campaign with neighbours Villarreal CF also in the first division. Although he played all the matches except two during his short spell, he could not prevent the team's eventual relegation.
Subsequently, Téllez returned to Alavés whom had in turn retained top-flight status, contributing 33 appearances in 1999–2000 to help the Basques overachieve for a final sixth place. On 5 March 2000, he scored his first goal in the competition, the game's only in an away win against Rayo Vallecano.
The following season, Téllez was instrumental in both the domestic and European fronts, forming a solid defensive partnership with Antonio Karmona as Alavés reached the 2001 UEFA Cup final, lost to Liverpool in extra time. He continued to feature prominently for the side the next four years, returning to the top tier at the end of 2004–05 and totalling 53 yellow cards and seven red during this timeframe.
In early 2006, having quarrelled with the board of directors, which featured the eccentric Dmitry Piterman, Téllez was fired, retiring from professional football shortly after.

International career

Téllez was capped four times by Spain. He made his debut on 25 April 2001 in a friendly against Japan, in Córdoba.

Post-retirement

After retiring, Téllez acted as manager to several amateur and youth clubs. At the same time, he worked in the Madrid–Barajas Airport as baggage handler.

Honours

Alavés
Valencia