Miguel Tendillo

Miguel Tendillo Belenguer (born 1 February 1961) is a Spanish former footballer who played as a central defender.

Over 15 seasons, he amassed La Liga totals of 370 matches and 28 goals, appearing most notably for Valencia (eight years) and Real Madrid (five) and winning ten major titles.

Tendillo played nearly 30 times with Spain, representing the nation at the 1982 World Cup and Euro 1980.

Club career

Born in Moncada, Valencia, Tendillo started his professional career with local Valencia CF, being first choice since the age of 18 (29 La Liga games in his first full season, which culminated with the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup conquest – he started in the final against Arsenal).

After nearly 300 official appearances with Valencia, Tendillo moved to Real Murcia CF upon the Che's 1986 relegation, and produced another solid season, which earned him the interest of league powerhouse Real Madrid as a replacement to longtime injuree Antonio Maceda. A starter in three of his five years, he helped the club to three leagues and as many domestic supercups.

Tendillo signed for lowly Real Burgos CF for 1992–93, not being able to help them prevent relegation from the top division and retiring at the end of the campaign, aged 32. Subsequently, he returned to the Mestalla Stadium as youth system coordinator.

International career

Tendillo earned his first cap for Spain on 21 May 1980, at not yet 20, appearing in a 2–2 friendly with Denmark in Copenhagen. Subsequently, he was called for that year's UEFA European Championship and the 1982 FIFA World Cup, totalling 27 matches and being deployed at right-back in the former competition.