Angel Berlanga calls time on playing days

Words: ACFC Media

Monday 16 January 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC stalwart and captain Angel Berlanga has ended his playing days at Kiwitea Street.

Berlanga is training for a new job and he and his partner are expecting another baby meaning he felt it was time to hang up his boots.

"I won't be part of the team any more and I want to wish the club and the team all the best for the season ahead and especially the FIFA Club World Cup coming up in Morocco.

"It's always important that players try to enjoy the adventure and make the most out of the opportunity.

"I want to say a big thank you to everyone involved at Auckland City FC for all the great years we've had together and to keep up the good work.

"It's because of everyone's hard work and dedication that Auckland City FC has earned the right to be called the best club in Oceania.

"My life is super busy at the moment with a young family and a new job I want everyone to know I remain now and always a loyal Navy Blues man," he said.

Berlanga, 35, made a record 219 appearances for the club scoring 9 goals in two spells with Auckland City FC punctuated by a brief professional contract with Indian side Sporting Club de Goa in 2013.

The Madrid-born central defender made his competitive debut for City on 16 October 2010 in a 3-2 away win over Waikato FC.

He appeared at seven FIFA Club World Cup competitions and played 9 games and is best remembered for his sensational equaliser against South American champions San Lorenzo in the semi-final on 17 December 2014 in Marrakesh, Morocco, eight years ago. Only Emiliano Tade and Ivan Vicelich have played more matches at that level with ten each.

In terms of individual accolades at Auckland City FC, Berlanga has few peers, winning the club's Player of the Year award four times (2010-11, 2011-12, 2016-17, 2018-19), the OFC Champions League Golden Ball award in 2016-17 season and was named in the In-Stat ISPS Handa Premiership XI for the 2018-19 campaign.

In total, Berlanga won 22 domestic, regional and international trophies with City during a tenure that spanned 12 years.

Ends

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Angel Berlanga
Position: Defender
Place of birth: Madrid, Spain
Debut: v. Waikato FC (A) won 3-2, 16 October 2010
Appearances: 219
Goals: 9
Previous clubs: Rayo Majadahonda, Sporting Goa, Central United FC, West Coast Rangers

Honours - Auckland City FC
FIFA Club World Cup - 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
FIFA Club World Cup bronze medal (2014)
OFC Champions League - 2010-11, 2011-12, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2022
OFC President's Cup - 2014
Nike Lunar New Year Cup - 2017
New Zealand Football Championship - 2013-14, 2014-15, 2017-18, 2019-20
National League Championship - 2022
Northern League - 2022
Chatham Cup - 2022
NZF Charity Cup - 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018

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