Unai Vergara
# Unai Vergara

Unai Vergara Díez-Caballero (born 20 January 1977), known simply as Unai, is a Spanish retired professional footballer who played as a central defender.

He amassed La Liga totals of 74 matches and five goals over four seasons, almost exclusively with Villarreal. The owner of a powerful left-foot shot, he also played in the competition with Albacete.

## Club career

Unai in Portugalete, Biscay. After three seasons playing with modest sides in the Catalonia area, he represented CP Mérida in 1999–2000's second division, where he produced a fine individual campaign; however, although the Extremadura team finished sixth, the club was relegated for lack of payment to its players.

Subsequently, Unai joined Villarreal CF, which had just returned to La Liga. He was relatively used during three seasons, also adding three goals in his first. His first match in the competition took place on 28 October 2000, when he came from the bench in a 0–0 home draw against Athletic Bilbao.

After a string of injuries (some serious), Unai had an unassuming loan spell at Albacete Balompié, being released in June 2004 and going on to represent Elche CF, UE Lleida (second level) and CF Gavà (third).

## International career

On 28 February 2001, Unai made his sole appearance for Spain, playing 90 minutes in a 0–3 friendly loss against England in Birmingham. Previously, he represented the nation at the 2000 Summer Olympics, playing three times for the eventual silver medalists.

Unai was the first-ever Villarreal player to be called up for either team.

## Honours

Spain U23

* Summer Olympic silver medal: 2000
