Esteban Granero

Esteban Félix Granero Molina (Spanish pronunciation: [ez'teβan gɾa'neɾo mo'lina]; born 2 July 1987) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Real Sociedad. Known as El Pirata (the pirate), he can play as a central or an attacking midfielder, his best attributes being passing, technique and shooting.

He emerged through Real Madrid's youth ranks, but made a name for himself in La Liga with Getafe, following which he returned to his previous team, winning two major titles but being sparingly played over the course of three seasons.

Granero represented Spain at under-21 level, appearing in the 2009 European Championship.

Club career

Real Madrid

Born in Madrid, Granero joined ranks of Real Madrid when he was just eight years old, and quickly began displaying his footballing talent. In one season he scored 83 goals in the under-10 division and, in 1999, captained the under-12 B-team that won the International Football-7 tournament held in the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona by defeating FC Barcelona 1–0 with his extra time goal – he was also named the best player of the competition.