Andrés Chitiva
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Andrés Chitiva | ||
Personal information | ||
---|---|---|
Full name | Andrés Chitiva Espinoza | |
Date of birth | August 13, 1979 (age 27) | |
Place of birth | Bogotá, Colombia | |
Height | 1.7 m (5 ft 7 in) | |
Playing position | Midfielder | |
Club information | ||
Current club | CF Pachuca | |
Number | 10 | |
Senior clubs1 | ||
Years | Club | App (Gls)* |
1997-2001 2001-present |
Millonarios CF Pachuca |
? (?) 194 (29) |
1 Senior club appearances and goals |
Andrés Chitiva (born August 13, 1979 in Bogotá) is a Colombian football (soccer) player. Chitiva is a pacy left winger who possesses great speed, dribbling skills and crossing ability.
Chitiva started his top-flight career in 1997 playing for Millonarios in his hometown of Bogotá in Colombia. In 2001, Chitiva was signed by Mexico's CF Pachuca, at the recommendation of the team's Colombian goalkeeper and captain Miguel Calero. Chitiva has been an everpresent in the Pachuca side ever since and a driving force in the team's three domestic Mexican titles (2001, 2003, 2006) since his arrival. Chitiva's ability to deliver the killer cross and finish in the box with timely runs have made him a hero to the Pachuca fans.
Most recently, Chitiva helped lead Pachuca to its historic capture of the South American Cup Copa Sudamericana - the first intercontinental title victory for a Mexican side. Chitiva recently applied and received dual citizenship in Mexico so that Pachuca no longer has to use a foreigner spot for him in their roster. Chitiva remains, however, fiercely loyal to his Colombian heritage and has stated his desire to play for his nation's full national team on numerous occasions.
Current Colombian coach, Jorge Luis Pinto, capped the Pachuca player for two friendly matches against Switzerland and Paraguay in late March 2007. Although he entered as a substitute late in the Switzerland game, he helped finish the Colombian win with a final 3rd goal. He was also a crucial element in the 2-0 defeat against Paraguay three days later on March 28, 2007.