Roberto Ríos Patus (born 8 October 1971) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a central defender.
Although Basque-born (in Bilbao), Ríos emerged through the youth system of Real Betis, making his professional debut in the Segunda División in the 1992–93 season.[1] He went on to contribute importantly in the Andalusians' promotion the following year – although appearing in only 19 matches, he scored four times – and become a regular first-team member onwards.
In summer 1997, following rumours of a transfer to Manchester United earlier in February, Ríos was signed by Athletic Bilbao for 2 billion pesetas, a then-record for a national player.[2] In his first season, he netted twice in 32 games (including once in a 5–1 home win over CP Mérida, on 21 December 1997)[3] as the Basque side finished runners-up in La Liga.
After spending the first months of the 2002–03 campaign without a club and having totalled only 27 appearances in his last three years at Athletic, Ríos trained with West Bromwich Albion. However, in January 2003 he rejected a contract offer from the Gary Megson-led team, stating "I don't want to fool anyone" about his chances of regaining full fitness.[4]
Ríos retired aged 30, due to persistent injury problems.[5] He returned to Betis in 2010, as part of newly appointed manager Pepe Mel's coaching staff.[6][7]
Ríos was capped 11 times by Spain,[8] with his debut coming on 9 October 1996 in a 0–0 away draw against the Czech Republic in the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.[9] In spite of having appeared significantly during the campaign and coming from a solid club season with Athletic, he was overlooked for the final stages in France.[10]
Ríos' father, Eusebio, was also a footballer and a defender. He too played most of his career at Betis, and later managed the club.[11]
Spain U21
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