Txiki Begiristain

Aitor "Txiki" Begiristain Mujika (born 12 August 1964) is a retired Spanish footballer who played mainly a left winger but also as a forward, with equal success.

He is best known for his spells at Real Sociedad and Barcelona, winning eight major titles with the latter, including four La Liga championships and the 1992 European Cup.

Begiristain represented the Spanish national team in one World Cup and one European Championship. After retiring he worked as a director of football, including with Barcelona and also at Manchester City.

Club career

Real Sociedad

Born in Olaberria, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Begiristain began his professional career with Real Sociedad in 1982 at the age of just 18, being immediately cast into the first-team's setup. After a slow start, with 16 La Liga games in his first season, he became an essential member of the side that was coached by John Toshack, also including Luis Arconada, Roberto López Ufarte, José Mari Bakero and Luis López Rekarte; the highlights of his career at Real included scoring the second goal in the 1987 Copa del Rey final against Atlético Madrid, which was eventually won on penalties after the 2–2 draw.