Esteban Granero

Esteban Granero is a Spanish midfielder.

Esteban Granero is nicknamed El Pirata (The Pirate) in Spain because he can equally play as a central midfielder, as a playmaker and is capable of displaying right wingback skills as well. The nickname was attached to Esteban as a reply to his goal celebration gesture (Granero closes his eye with his palm).

Esteban began his football career at 8 when he came to the Real Madrid academy. He was entrusted with a forward’s position and within one of the seasons Esteban managed to score 83 goals playing in the U10 championship. In 1999, Granero becomes captain of Real Madrid U12 B.

When still a U17 player Esteban Granero joined Real Madrid third team and continued with his successful game displays.

In 2006, Esteban won the UEFA U19 Championship as well as made his debut for Real Madrid B.

Among Esteban’s distinguished honours there are: La Liga 2011/12 champion, Copa del Rey 2010/2011 winner as well as winner of the 2006 UEFA U19 Championship.

In the summer of 2012 Esteban moved to London side Queens Park Rangers. After the club's relegation from the Premier League Esteban joined Real Sociedad on loan and later signed a permanent deal with the Basque side.