Julio Arca
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox football biography Julio Andrés Arca (born 31 January 1981) is an Argentine former professional footballer, who played as a left-back or central midfielder. He was most recently manager of South Shields.
Arca spent the majority of his career in the North East of England, firstly for Sunderland from 2000 to 2006, and then for Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2013. He retired from professional football following his release from Middlesbrough, and subsequently played Sunday League football for Willow Pond for the 2014–15 season. He later signed for South Shields, in addition to his return to Sunderland as part of the club's youth coaching staff.
During his professional career, he was seen as an attack-minded player, with his key attributes including good long and short passing, as well as being a hard worker. Throughout his career at Sunderland and Middlesbrough, Arca has gained a cult following among supporters at Sunderland, Middlesbrough and South Shields.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Arca Planet Football">Template:Cite news</ref>
Club careerEdit
Argentinos JuniorsEdit
Born in Quilmes, Argentina, Arca began playing football when he was eleven and joined Argentinos Juniors when he was fourteen.<ref name="Arca Chronicle Live Interview"/><ref name="Arca Planet Football"/><ref name="Arca The Guardian 2007">Template:Cite news</ref> He went on to progress at the Argentinos Juniors’ academy and made his debut three years later at age seventeen; which saw his side lose 7–1 loss against Independiente.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca made thirty–six appearances during his time there, having broken into the first team at age eighteen.<ref name="Arca Eighteen">Template:Cite news</ref> He said playing in Argentina was tough, but acknowledged that it gave him a “great education”.<ref name="Arca Eighteen"/><ref name="Arca Planet Football"/>
SunderlandEdit
Sunderland's manager Peter Reid signed Arca in 2000 from Argentinos Juniors with a £3.5 million five-year deal, while holding off competition from Newcastle United and Leeds United.<ref name="mfc">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Arca signed for Sunderland"/> It came after Peter Reid spotted him in a U21 match playing against England at Craven Cottage and tracked him until completing the signing in July 2000.<ref name="mfc" /><ref name="The Northern Echo">Template:Cite news</ref> Upon joining the club, Arca was Reid's most expensive signing of that summer and was then second only behind Stefan Schwarz as the club's record buy.<ref name="Arca signed for Sunderland">Template:Cite news</ref> The youngster was tipped for the brightest of futures and full international honours.<ref name="Arca Chronicle Live Interview">Template:Cite news</ref>
Having missed the first three league matches, due to receiving his Italian passport, he was an immediate success, scoring on his debut at the Stadium of Light against West Ham United.<ref name="mfc" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca then helped the side keep four consecutive clean sheets throughout October.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The following month, he only played three matches, including scoring against Manchester United, due to his international commitment with Argentina U20.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca's third goal of the season came on 1 January 2001, in a 4–1 win over Ipswich Town.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, he missed five matches throughout January because of his continuous international commitment with Argentina U20.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It wasn't until on 10 February 2001 when Arca made his return to the first team, in a 1–1 draw against Liverpool.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca played for his previous club and national team at left-back but was successfully converted to left midfield by Reid.<ref name="mfc" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Arca Chronicle Live Interview"/><ref name="Arca Planet Football"/> Arca scored three times in thirty appearances for the Black Cats in his first season in the Premiership.<ref name="Soccerbase0001">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> For his performance, he won the club's Young Player of the Year award.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Arca Chronicle Live Interview"/> Arca also became a fan favourite among Sunderland supporters.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Arca Chronicle Live Interview"/>
At the start of the 2001–02 season, Arca suffered a setback when he suffered a knee injury that saw him miss two matches.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He made his return from injury, starting the whole game, in a 1–0 win over Blackburn Rovers on 8 September 2001.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Following this, he regained his first-team place, playing in the midfield position.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a 1–1 draw against Arsenal, Arca scored a header from two minutes into injury time but was denied by referee Mike Riley after the assistant referee flagged for offside.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Riley's decision to disallow Arca's goal was criticised by then-club captain Michael Gray and Manager Peter Reid.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite that setback, Arca managed to score his first goal of the season in a 2–1 win over Leeds United on 18 November 2001.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He did not manage to rediscover his form of the previous season and was out of action from February.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Because of his trouble with a series of niggling injuries, Arca's 2001–02 campaign was disappointing like so many other of Sunderland's players.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
At the start of the 2002–03 campaign, Arca continued to recover from the injuries he sustained from the previous season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His first appearance of the season came on 28 August 2002, coming on as a late substitute, in a 1–0 win over Leeds United.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca, who had then played 54 games for the club, stated his determination to get back to his best – both in fitness and form, especially playing under the management of Reid's successor, Howard Wilkinson.<ref name="Arca Howard Wilkinson">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Due to being a fan favourite among Sunderland supporters, they chanted "Julio, Julio when he was not in the squad".<ref name="Arca Howard Wilkinson"/> Despite this, Arca scored his first goal of the season, in the second round of the League Cup, in a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 1 October 2002.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He was sidelined for two months, due to an injury he sustained during the club's reserve match against Manchester United Reserve.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After returning from injury in December, Arca didn't make his return to the first team until 11 January 2003, coming on as a second–half substitute, in a 0–0 draw against Blackburn Rovers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Three days later on 14 January 2003, he scored his second goal of the season, in a 2–0 win over Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup replay.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Since returning to the first team, Arca had a run in of first team for the rest of the season despite being on the sidelines on three occasions.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of the 2002–03 season, the club was relegated to the Championship, finishing at the bottom of the Premier League, and he went on to make eighteen appearances and scoring twice in all competitions.
At the start of the 2003–04 season, Arca missed the first three matches, due to being linked to a move away and leaving Sunderland.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His first appearance of the season came on 23 August 2003 against Preston North End, starting the whole game in the left–back position, in a 2–0 win.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Having regained his first team place, playing in the left–back position, he kept two clean sheets in the next two matches, including scoring his first goal of the season, in a 4–0 win over Bradford City.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Since returning to the first team, Arca regained his first-team place, playing in the left–back position.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Manager Mick McCarthy and Gary Breen praised his recent performances for making a significant impact.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His second goal of the season came on 27 September 2003, in a 2–0 win over Reading.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> A week later on 4 October 2003, however, he was sent–off for the second bookable offence, in a 1–0 win over Sheffield United.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca was sent–off for a second bookable offence once again two months later on 2 December 2003, in a 1–1 draw against Wigan Athletic, resulting in a two-match ban.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After returning to the first team, he scored three goals throughout January.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In the January transfer window Arca was linked a move away from Sunderland, prompting Manager McCarthy to rule out the sale.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca himself showed his loyalty to the club, electing to stay <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Following this, he then scored his fourth goal of the season, in a 3–1 win over Walsall on 3 March 2004.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, Arca missed five matches, due to a knee injury he sustained in a 1–0 win over Sheffield United in a FA Cup match.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It wasn't until 27 March 2004 that he made his return to the starting line-up, in a 2–1 win over Derby County.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Having regained his first team place for the next five matches, he suffered a knee injury that saw him sidelined for the rest of the 2003–04 season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of the 2003–04 season, Arca went on to make thirty–seven appearances and scored six times in all competitions. For his performance, he was named PFA Team of the Year for the First Division for the 2003–04 season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Hugman2004" /><ref name="Hugman2005-06 480">Template:Cite book</ref>
Ahead of the 2004–05 season, Arca was linked a move away from Sunderland, as Manager McCarthy predicted that he would leave the club should they failed to achieve promotion back to the Premier League.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite this, Arca declared that he was happy to stay at Sunderland, and opened talks with the club over a new contract.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the start of the 2004–05 season, he continued as a first team regular, still playing in midfield.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It wasn't until on 14 September 2004 when Arca scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–0 win over Nottingham Forest.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, he missed two matches, due to a sustained leg injury.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After returning to the first team from injury, Arca then scored his second goal of the season, in a 3–1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on 30 October 2004; followed–up by providing a hat–trick assists, in a 3–1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> During a 2–0 defeat against Millwall on 5 November 2004, Arca made V-signs to Millwall supporters on three occasions after being involved in a tussle with Kevin Muscat; leading the Football Association reported the allegations to the police.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It was announced on 12 November 2004 that he signed a three–year contract, keeping him until 2007.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> By the end of 2004, he added two more goals, which were against Burnley and Leeds United.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After being sidelined with another injury at the beginning of January, Arca didn't score again until on 19 February 2005, in a 2–1 loss against Brighton & Hove Albion.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a follow–up match against Rotherham United, he suffered an injury and was substituted in the 33rd minute, resulting in him missing two matches.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It wasn't until on 12 March 2005 when he made his return as a substitute against Crewe Alexandra and set up the only goal in the game, in a 1–0 win.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a follow–up match, Arca scored his sixth goal of the season, in a 5–1 win over Plymouth Argyle.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He later scored three more goals, including two victories over Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Throughout the season, Arca was arguably their best player as they returned to the Premiership under manager Mick McCarthy, winning the Football League Championship in 2004–05.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of the 2004–05 season, he went on to make forty–two appearances and scoring nine times in all competitions.<ref name="Soccerbase0405">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="FCHDsunderland">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> For his performance, Arca, once again, was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the Championship team in the 2004–05 season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
At the start of the 2005–06 season, with Sunderland back in the Premier League, Arca continued to remain as first team regular, playing in the left–back position.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, the club made a poor start to the season, losing the first five league matches.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He then scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–0 win over Middlesbrough, giving Sunderland their first Premier League since 2002.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, Arca suffered a toe injury during training and missed two matches.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It wasn't until on 23 October 2005 when he returned to the first team, coming on as a second–half substitute, in a 3–2 loss against rivals, Newcastle United.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His return was short–lived when he once again injured his toe after the match and was sidelined for a month.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It wasn't until on 10 December 2005 when Arca returned to the starting line-up, playing the whole game, in a 2–0 loss against Charlton Athletic.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Since returning to the first team, he quickly regained his place in the starting eleven, playing either the left–back position or midfield position over the season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In the January transfer window, Arca was linked a move away from the club, which he responded by stating that he has no intention of leaving Sunderland.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Amid to the transfer move, Arca then scored his second goal of the season, in a 2–1 loss against Brentford in the fourth round of the FA Cup.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> During a 4–1 loss against rivals Newcastle United on 17 April 2006, he collided with Alan Shearer, resulting in him tearing his knee injury.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, he suffered injuries on three occasions later in the 2005–06 season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Sunderland were relegated again in the 2005–06 season.<ref name="FCHDsunderland" /> At the end of the season, Arca went on to make twenty–six appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.
Arca's departure from Sunderland was announced in April 2006.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He stated that he would not play in the Championship again should the club be relegated.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> By the time he departed Sunderland, he made 177 appearances and scored 23 times for the side in all competitions. Five years later, Arca was named Solid Gold XI on the club's website.<ref name="Julio Solid Gold IX"/>
MiddlesbroughEdit
On 26 July 2006, following Sunderland's relegation from Premier League, it was announced that Arca had signed a five-year contract with Premier League side Middlesbrough, for a reported transfer fee of £1.75 million, becoming new manager Gareth Southgate's first ever senior signing; they beat Spanish club Espanyol to signing the player.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He was a replacement for Franck Queudrue, who moved to Fulham.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Arca made his Premier League debut for Middlesbrough against Reading on the opening day of the 2006–07 season; he broke his foot and was substituted at half-time for Andrew Davies.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> After regaining fitness, Arca made his return to the first team, coming on as a late substitute, in a 1–0 win over Everton on 14 October 2006.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> With the progress of Andrew Taylor at left-back, Arca had been utilised as central midfielder.<ref name="mfc" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He scored his first goal for the club against Charlton Athletic on 23 December 2006.<ref name="Soccerbase0607">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca then scored against Charlton Athletic for the second time this season, in a 3–1 win.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His third goal of the season came on 17 February 2007, in a 2–2 draw against West Bromwich Albion in the fifth round of the FA Cup; leading to a FA Cup, which they won on penalties and Arca was one of the players successfully convert.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He set up an equaliser goal for Lee Cattermole, in a 2–2 draw against Manchester United in the sixth round of the FA Cup; leading to a FA Cup replay once again, which Middlesbrough lost 1–0.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, Arca suffered a groin injury that saw him sidelined for a month.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It wasn't until on 28 April 2007 when he returned from injury, coming on as a substitute during the second half, in a 3–2 loss against Tottenham Hotspur.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca later featured the remaining two matches of the season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of the 2006–07 season, he went on to make twenty–eight appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.
Ahead of the 2007–08 season, Arca was subjected of a transfer bid from his former club, Sunderland when they made a £2 million bid but Middlesbrough turned down the offer.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Amid the transfer speculation, Arca continued to remain his first team place, playing in the midfield position at the start of the season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He then set up the opening goal for Mido, in a 2–1 win over Fulham on 18 August 2007.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca scored his first goal for the club in a follow–up match against Tyne–Tees rivals, Newcastle United.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> A month later on 22 September 2007, he scored his second goal of the season, in a 2–2 draw against Sunderland.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> During the match, he is still liked strongly by most Sunderland fans despite moving to their local rivals and in the 2007 Tees–Wear derby at the Riverside, when he went off injured after scoring against them, he was cheered by the visiting Sunderland supporters.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Unfortunately, following this injury that saw him out for two months, Arca struggled to regain his excellent form in the months prior to it.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It wasn't until on 9 December 2007 when he made his return from injury, coming on as a late substitute, in a 2–1 win over Arsenal.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca continued to regain his first team place since returning from injury.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In January 2008, Arca was named club captain, replacing George Boateng.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His first game as captain was against Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League in a 1–1 draw.<ref name="Soccerbase0708">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After only a few games leading the team, he was replaced by Emanuel Pogatetz.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> By March, Arca was dropped from the first team by Manager Gareth Southgate, which he said: "I felt with Julio he just needs that break from the team. He's a fantastic player, he's very much with us and he understands why I left him out".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It wasn't until on 6 April 2008 when he returned to the first team, starting the whole game, in a 2–2 draw against Manchester United.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Since returning from injury, Arca continued to regained his first team for remaining matches of the 2007–08 season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He also assisted two matches in the last three remaining matches of the season, against Sunderland and Manchester City.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of the 2007–08 season, Arca went on to make twenty–nine appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.
Ahead of the 2008–09 season, Arca switched number shirt from three to twenty.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, he suffered ankle injury during a 3–2 win over Hibernian in a friendly match and was sidelined for two months as a result.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It wasn't until on 29 October 2008 when he made his return to the first team from injury, coming on as a substitute in the 75th minute, in a 2–0 win over Manchester City.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Since returning to the first team, Arca regained back his first team place, playing in the midfield position over the months.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> But in mid–January, Arca lost his first team place when suffered an illness that saw him miss one match, followed up by being placed on the substitute bench, as he continued to regain his fitness.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca made his return to the starting line-up, playing the whole game, in a 1–1 draw against West Ham United in the fifth round of the FA Cup; which Middlesbrough went through in the FA Cup replay by beating them 2–0.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Towards the end of the 2008–09 season, he suffered a hamstring injury that saw him out for a month.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It wasn't until on 16 May 2009 when Arca made his return to the starting line-up, in a 1–1 draw against Aston Villa.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The last game of the season against West Ham United, however, saw them lose 2–1, resulting in their relegation to the Championship in eleven years.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of the 2008–09 season, he went on to make twenty–one appearances in all competitions.
Ahead of the 2009–10 season, Arca said that he would leave Middlesbrough if he wasn't getting first team football at the club.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> But Arca suffered an injury at the start of the season that saw his playing time restricted.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He soon regained his first team place, playing in the midfield position since regaining fitness.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca then set up the opening goal in the game for Leroy Lita, in a 1–1 draw against Nottingham Forest on 21 November 2009; which was followed up by setting a goal for Dave Kitson, who scored twice in the game, in a 2–2 draw against Peterborough United.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He found himself in a competition with Adam Johnson, which saw Arca placed on the substitute bench and this lasted until Johnson's departure to Manchester City in January.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, Arca, himself, was plagued with injuries that saw him miss four matches at the beginning of 2010.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It wasn't until on 16 February 2010 when he made his return to the first team from injury, coming on as a second–half substitute, in a 2–0 loss against Blackpool.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After missing one match, Arca made a return to the first team against Watford, where he set up an equalising goal for Lita, in a 1–1 draw.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of the 2009–10 season, which saw Arca make thirty–six appearances in all competitions, the club failed to gain promotion from the Championship.
Ahead of the 2010–11 season, it was announced that Arca would stay at the club, having joined the club's pre–season tour.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca started the season well when he set up the opening goal for Scott McDonald, in a 3–1 loss against Ipswich Town in the opening game of the season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca then scored in Middlesbrough's 2–1 win over Chesterfield in the League Cup and scoring his first league goal for over three years from a penalty kick, to give Middlesbrough a 1–0 victory over Cardiff City.<ref name="mfc" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This proved to be a turning point for him, as he regained fine form towards the end of 2010.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca suffered two injuries throughout October.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Over time through the season, Arca played in both the left–back position and midfield position.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca then assisted three goals in three matches between 28 December 2010 and 3 January 2011 against Preston North End, Leeds United and Norwich City.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It wasn't until on 23 April 2011 when he scored his second of the season against Hull City and later that week, he scored his third of the campaign on a 2–1 win over Coventry City.<ref name="Soccerbase1011">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite being absent on three occasions later in the season, Arca made thirty–five appearances and scoring four times in all competitions.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of the 2010–11 season, he was voted the club's supporters' and players' Player of the Year.<ref name="deal" /> Arca was also named Middlesbrough's player of the year and Team of the Season by the local newspaper, The Northern Echo.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Julio Arca is named Boro player of the year"/>
His contract ended at the end of the 2010–11 season, having announced in February that he would leave.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca previously stated that he would take a pay cut to stay at Middlesbrough.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> But mid–June, he was offered a new contract on reduced terms.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 1 July 2011, Arca was officially a free agent, though Manager Tony Mowbray did not ruled out a return to sign him.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After turning down a chance to return to Boca Juniors, Arca re-signed with a two-year contract on 12 August 2011, having previously been released at the beginning of that same transfer window<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="deal">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Two days after signing the contract, Arca came on as a substitute in an away league match at Leeds United and passed to Marvin Emnes to score the only goal of the game.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He continued to remain involved in the first team in a number of matches since returning to the club, mostly coming on from the substitute bench.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> But at times, Arca was given starts in the first team in a number of matches.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a match against Cardiff City on 17 December 2011, he set up a goal for Faris Haroun (who scored earlier in the game) to score the winning goal, in a 3–2 win.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a 3–1 loss against Coventry City on 21 January 2012, Arca was sent–off at the last minute of the game for a foul on Sammy Clingan.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After serving three matches, he returned to the first team in the starting line-up, in a 2–1 win over Nottingham Forest on 14 February 2012.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a follow–up against Millwall, Arca set up a goal for Curtis Main to score the third goal of the game, in a 3–1 win.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite being sidelined during the 2011–12 season,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca finished the season, making thirty–three appearances in all competitions.
At the start of the 2012–13 season, Arca appeared three times in the first team throughout August.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, his first team opportunities at Middlesbrough was limited and placed on the substitute bench.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca was then sidelined with a toe injury that saw him out for months.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He was never featured in the first team for the rest of the 2012–13 season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of the 2012–13 season, making three appearances, Arca was released by the club.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Arca later retired from professional football after his Middlesbrough contract expired in 2013.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
South ShieldsEdit
Arca played for Willow Pond, a second-division pub side in the Sunderland Sunday League.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In July 2015, he returned to Sunderland to join the club's youth coaching staff.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
On 4 September 2015, Arca joined Northern League Division Two club South Shields.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He scored on his debut for the club, in a 1–1 draw with Stokesley Sports Club at Mariners Park.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He later scored a goal against Ryton & Crawcrook Albion as the Mariners won 4–0 in front of a crowd of 1,045, while his third goal for South Shields came when he scored a free-kick in a 4–0 victory at Esh Winning.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arca went on to score 12 times in his first season with the Mariners as they were promoted to Division One of the Northern League as champions.<ref name="southshieldsfc">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="FCHDsouthshields">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The following season, Arca captained the side and played at the Wembley Stadium in the FA Vase Final, as they beat Cleethorpes Town 4–0.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Following this, it was announced that he would signed a two–year contract with South Shields.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of the 2017–18 season, Arca announced his retirement from football for the second time in his career; where by the time he retired, Arca helped South Shields to three promotions and three cup wins.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
International careerEdit
Arca was the captain of the Argentina Youth Team which featured players like Javier Saviola, Nicolás Burdisso and Maxi Rodríguez in the same squad.<ref name="Arca 2017 Interview with The Guardian">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Arca The Guardian 2007"/> He won his only U21 cap in a 1–0 friendly defeat to England on 22 February 2000.<ref name="11v11" /> During his playing time at Argentina Youth Team, Arca said he learned under José Pékerman, who at the time was in charge of Argentina's youth sides.<ref name="Arca The Guardian 2007"/>
After his successful first season in the Premier League with Sunderland, Arca captained the Argentina Under-20 team which won the FIFA U-20 World Cup tournament in Buenos Aires, Argentina.<ref name="FIFA" /> They beat the Ghana U-20 team 3–0 in the final to win their fourth title.<ref name="FIFA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Earlier in the season he had been a part of the U20 team which had finished as runners-up in the 2001 South American U20 Championship.<ref name="11v11" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> During which, Arca scored twice for the international side.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Arca Chronicle Live Interview"/>
Three years later in 2004, Arca was expected to be called up for the Summer Olympic qualification.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> But Sunderland refused to allow him to play in the qualification, citing his commitment to the club.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He was expected to be included in the Argentina U23 squad at the 2004 Summer Olympics.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite hopes of getting called, it was later announced that he was not included in the Argentina's squad for the Olympic Games.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Although Arca expressed his disappointment of not being included, he accepted the decision being made and would focus on his commitment at Sunderland.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Three years later, Arca said that he hope he would receive a call-up from the senior team; using then Premier League players Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano as example.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Coaching careerEdit
On 27 April 2023, Arca was appointed manager of his former club South Shields following the club's promotion to the National League North.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 27 December 2023, Arca was sacked by the club after a poor run of form.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A 3–1 home defeat to local rivals Blyth Spartans proved the final straw for Arca as his side slipped to 8th in the table, marking their sixth game without a win.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Personal lifeEdit
His father is Raúl Arca, who was also a footballer at Racing Club's Reserve Team but did not make an appearance and retired soon after, and has a younger brother.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Arca Chronicle Live Interview"/> Growing up, he supported River Plate but only did so because his family were supporters of the club. However, he rarely saw the team play, as he preferred to kick a ball himself.<ref name="Arca Chronicle Live Interview"/> He has Italian origins through his grandfather, which allowed him to have an Italian passport in August 2000.<ref name="The Northern Echo"/> However, it was under scrutiny when Arca used a fake passport; which Italian Embassy in Buenos Aires responded with: "Finally, at the request of the club Julio Arca's passport was presented to immigration authorities at Heathrow Airport, who assessed and verified this in advance of his arrival."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
When Arca started out at Sunderland, he struggled to speak English and had to rely on Emerson Thome to act as an interpreter.<ref name="Arca Chronicle Live Interview"/><ref name="Arca Planet Football"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Since settling in England, he quickly to learn and speak English.<ref name="Arca Eighteen"/><ref name="Arca Chronicle Live Interview"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Because he was a fan favourite at Sunderland, the supporters recorded a musical tribute to Arca, calling the song: Hooolio.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In August 2004, Arca suffered a severe allergic reaction after being stung by a jellyfish when he was swimming in the North Sea.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Having spent five years in England so far, he revealed that he has now settled in the country.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Arca Sunderland Academy Manager"/>
Arca is married to his native wife, Valeria, and together, they have two children.<ref name="Arca 2017 Interview with The Guardian"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Arca Sunderland Academy Manager"/><ref name="Arca Valeria">Template:Cite news</ref> Since moving to England, he resided in Wearside, along with his family.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Following his retirement from professional football, Arca earned his UEFA B Licence, having announced his intention to become a manager in 2015.<ref name="Arca Eighteen"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He then became a Manager of the Sunderland Under 14 side.<ref name="Arca Sunderland Academy Manager">Template:Cite news</ref> In 2019, Arca and his family moved back to Argentina, where he started a new business, Premier Sport Division, which helps sportspeople to relocate, transporting their lives across the world when they join new clubs.<ref name="Arca Planet Football"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Arca Valeria"/>
Career statisticsEdit
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Argentinos Juniors | 1999–2000 | Argentine Primera División | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 19 | 0 | |
| 2000–01<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 | ||
| Total | 36 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 36 | 0 | |||
| Sunderland | 2000–01<ref name="Soccerbase0001" /> | Premier League | 27 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 30 | 3 |
| 2001–02<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
22 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 1 | |
| 2002–03<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
13 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 18 | 2 | |
| 2003–04<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
First Division | 31 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 6 |
| 2004–05<ref name="Soccerbase0405" /> | Championship | 40 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 42 | 9 | |
| 2005–06<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
Premier League | 24 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 2 |
| Total | 157 | 17 | 15 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 177 | 23 | ||
| Middlesbrough | 2006–07<ref name="Soccerbase0607" /> | Premier League | 21 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 3 |
| 2007–08<ref name="Soccerbase0708" /> | 24 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 2 | ||
| 2008–09<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
18 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 0 | |
| 2009–10<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
Championship | 34 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 0 |
| 2010–11<ref name="Soccerbase1011" /> | 32 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 36 | 4 | ||
| 2011–12<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
28 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 31 | 0 | |
| 2012–13<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| Total | 160 | 7 | 18 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 185 | 9 | ||
| Career total | 353 | 24 | 33 | 5 | 12 | 3 | 398 | 32 | ||
Managerial statisticsEdit
| Team | From | To | Record | Template:Abbr | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Abbr | Template:Abbr | Template:Abbr | Template:Abbr | Template:Abbr | ||||
| South Shields | 27 April 2023 | 27 December 2023 | ||||||
| Total | — | |||||||
HonoursEdit
Sunderland
- Football League Championship: 2004–05<ref name="Soccerbase0405" /><ref name="FCHDsunderland" />
South Shields
- Northern League First Division: 2016–17<ref name="southshieldsfc" /><ref name="FCHDsouthshields" />
- Northern League Second Division: 2015–16<ref name="southshieldsfc" /><ref name="FCHDsouthshields" />
- Northern League Cup: 2016–17<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- FA Vase: 2016–17<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Argentina
- FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2001<ref name="FIFA" />
Individual
- PFA Championship Team of the Year: 2003–04, 2004–05<ref name="Hugman2004">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Hugman2005-06 480" />
- Middlesbrough Supporters' Player of the Year: 2010–11<ref name="deal" />
- Middlesbrough Players' Player of the Year: 2010–11<ref name="deal" />
- Middlesbrough Player of the Year: 2010<ref name="Julio Arca is named Boro player of the year">Template:Cite news</ref>
- Sunderland Young Player of the Year: 2000–01<ref name="11v11">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- North East Football Award – Football League Footballer of the Year: 2003–04
- Sunderland Solid Gold XI<ref name="Julio Solid Gold IX">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>