Ricardo Arias (footballer)
Ricardo Penella Arias is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a sweeper.
He appeared in 501 competitive games for Valencia, winning three major titles including the 1980 Cup Winners' Cup. In La Liga, he played 377 matches and scored twice.
Club career
Born in Catarroja, Valencian Community, Arias spent 16 of his 17 professional seasons – 15 in La Liga – with local club Valencia CF. He made his debut in the competition on 7 November 1976 by coming on as a late substitute in a 3–1 home win against CD Málaga, and scored his first goal on 5 March 1978 to help defeat Sevilla FC 3–0 also at the Mestalla Stadium. He contributed eight matches and one goal in the team's victorious run in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, converting his attempt in the shootout in the final.Subsequently, Arias went on to become a defensive mainstay for the Che. They suffered relegation at the end of 1985–86, being immediately promoted the following campaign with one goal in 34 games from the player.
After only 16 appearances in 1991–92, the 35-year-old Arias signed for neighbouring CD Castellón in the Segunda División, closing out his career at the end of the season.