Julio Alberto


Julio Alberto Moreno Casas, known as Julio Alberto, is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a left back.
During his professional career he played mainly for Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, amassing La Liga totals of 269 matches and 11 goals.
A Spain international in the mid-to-late 1980s, Alberto represented the nation at the 1986 World Cup and Euro 1984.

Club career

Born in Candás, Asturias, Julio Alberto came through the ranks of Atlético Madrid, appearing rarely for the Colchoneros during his early years and also serving a Segunda División loan stint with Recreativo de Huelva in 1979–80. Fully promoted to the first team for the following campaign, he played 59 La Liga games that and the next seasons combined, subsequently attracting interest from FC Barcelona.
With Barça, the offensive-minded Julio Alberto played a further nine years, with opposed fates: he was a key element in the side's 1985 league conquest and, during the following campaign, scored a stunning goal against Juventus F.C. in the semi-finals of the European Cup, in a 1–0 home win. He would also start in the penalty shootout loss to FC Steaua Bucureşti in the final.
From 1988 to 1991, however, Julio Alberto only appeared in 29 matches as the "Dream Team" was coming to fruition, retiring after only three appearances in the latter season as Barcelona won the national championship.

International career

Julio Alberto earned 34 caps for Spain over four years, and was included in the squad for UEFA Euro 1984 and the 1986 FIFA World Cup. His debut came on 29 February in a friendly match leading to Euro 1984, against Luxembourg, and he received the game's only yellow card in a 1–0 away win.

Post-retirement

After retiring, Julio Alberto fell into a deep depression which led to a severe drug addiction. Eventually he recovered, becoming a lecturer on the subject while he also began assisting former club Barcelona in a community role, working with fans and the foundation.

Honours

Club

Barcelona
Spain