Tiko (footballer)

For other people, see Roberto Martinez (disambiguation)

Tiko

Personal information
Full name	Roberto Martínez Rípodas
Date of birth	September 15, 1976 (1976-09-15) (age 35)
Place of birth	Pamplona, Spain
Height	1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing position	Midfielder
Youth career
	Osasuna
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1995–1997	Osasuna B	58	(7)
1997–1999	Osasuna	40	(7)
1999–2009	Athletic Bilbao	198	(21)
2008–2009	→ Eibar (loan)	16	(0)
National team
2002	Spain	1	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

This name uses Spanish naming customs; the first or paternal family name is Martínez and the second or maternal family name is Rípodas.

Roberto Martínez Rípodas, aka Tiko (born 15 September 1976 in Pamplona, Navarre), is a retired Spanish footballer who played as a central or defensive midfielder.

He is known for his powerful shots^[1] and creative play. His long-range efforts were dubbed Tikotazo.^[2]

Club career

Tiko emerged through the ranks of hometown CA Osasuna, alternating between the A and B sides for some time, whilst the former was still in the second division. His professional debut came on 10 May 1997, as he scored an injury time winner at CD Badajoz (1–0).

In 1999–2000, Tiko moved to neighbours Athletic Bilbao, making his top level debut on 12 October 1999, in a 4–3 win at Málaga CF. He would make 17 appearances (one goal) during the season.

From 2001–06, Tiko was an undisputed starter in midfield for the Basque Country team, often scoring from free kicks and dictating Athletic's play. In his final two seasons, he was severely hampered by injuries^[3] and the emergence of Javi Martínez and Carlos Gurpegui, playing in just seven league contests combined.

On August 2008, deemed surplus to requirements, Tiko joined SD Eibar in the second division, on a one-year loan deal. Upon his return to Bilbao, following Eibar's relegation, he was immediately released, and retired from the game shortly after.

International career

Tiko topped a brilliant 2001–02 season (32 games, seven goals) with his sole cap for the Spain national football team, playing in a friendly on 27 March 2002 in Rotterdam, as Spain were downed by Holland, 1–0.

References

1. ^ Spain round-up: Tiko inspires win; UEFA.com, 12 January 2002
2. ^ Peligro: "Tikotazo" (Danger: "Tikotazo"); Diario Equipo, 4 December 2003 (Spanish)
3. ^ Athletic dealt Tiko injury blow; UEFA.com, 9 October 2006

External links

• Athletic Bilbao profile
• Stats at Liga de Fútbol Profesional (Spanish)
• BDFutbol profile
• National team data (Spanish)

Persondata
Name	Tiko
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	1976-09-15
Place of birth	Pamplona, Spain
Date of death
Place of death