Iñigo Vélez

Iñigo Vélez de Mendizábal Fernández de Garaialde (born 15 March 1982), known as Iñigo or Vélez, is a Spanish retired professional footballer who played as a forward.

Football career

Born in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, Vélez began his career in the lower leagues, playing for local CD Aurrerá de Vitoria and RCD Espanyol's B-team. In the 2004 summer he signed for SD Eibar in the second division, scoring four goals in 40 games in his second season as the side was eventually relegated.

In 2007–08 Íñigo competed in La Liga with Real Murcia, in another relegation-ending campaign. He made his debut in the competition as a late substitute in a 0–2 away loss against Villarreal CF on 23 September 2007, netting two months later in a 1–1 draw at RCD Mallorca.

The following season Vélez joined Athletic Bilbao, but took almost no part whatsoever in the Basque side's campaign (only four league matches). In late July 2009 his contract was mutually rescinded, and he joined relegated CD Numancia on a three-year contract, with Athletic being able to re-buy in 2010 or 2011 – former Athletic teammate Joseba Garmendia also made the move.