Espanyol ton up for Tamudo
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Article summary
Raúl Tamudo completed a century of goals for RCD Espanyol at the weekend and is now eyeing the club's all-time scoring record which stands at 111.
Article body
Milestone
Tamudo's 91st-minute strike in San Sebastian on Sunday earned a 1-0 win against Real Sociedad de Fútbol and gave him his 100th goal for the Barcelona outfit - and his 93rd in the Primera División. However, the forward was quick to downplay the significance of his achievement.
Hard road
"It was just another goal but I guess the fact I scored in the last minute and it gave us victory makes it more important," he said. "I've played for Espanyol for a long time and having reached that figure means I've played in most matches, which isn't easy."
Local hero
Born and raised in Barcelona, the 28-year-old has spent his whole career with his local team - which, he admitted, makes his striking success even sweeter. "This club has been my life and it's the best thing that can happen to a homegrown player," he said.
Club record
A consistent marksman, the nine-times capped Spanish international now wants to etch his name in the Espanyol history books by surpassing Rafael Marañón's record of 111 goals for the Periquitos between 1974 and 1983.
Time on his side
"I am contracted to the club till 2010, so I have four seasons to score more goals and try to beat Rafael Marañón's record because he's a legend and part of this club's history," said Tamudo. "I would like that and it would help the team." If he could find the target in the UEFA Cup last-32 tie against FC Schalke 04 on 15 and 23 February, that would very useful too.
