Sébastien Squillaci
Encyclopedia
Sébastien Squillaci is a French international footballer who plays for Arsenal. He plays as a central defender and is described as a player who "reads the game well" and is "strong in the air and on the ground". Squillaci is nicknamed in France as simply Toto in reference to his surname, which is similar to former Italian international
Salvatore Schillaci
, who was the first to acquire the nickname.
Squillaci began his football career playing for hometown club club FC Seynois in the commune
of La Seyne-sur-Mer
. In 1996, he joined Sporting Toulon
and made his professional debut in the 1997–98 season, while the club was playing in Ligue 2
. After a year with Toulon, Squillaci joined Monaco
. He spent two seasons on the club's reserve team before joining AC Ajaccio
on loan for two years. Squillaci returned to Monaco in 2002 and contributed to the team that won the Coupe de la Ligue
in 2003. He also featured in European competition
for the first time in his career and, in the 2003–04 season, played on the Monaco team that reached the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final
. In that same season domestically, Squillaci was named to the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) Ligue 1
Team of the Year. In 2006, Squillaci signed a long-term contract with league rivals Olympique Lyonnais
and won two consecutive league titles, as well as the Coupe de France
in 2008 before departing for Spain in 2008 to join Sevilla. With Sevilla, he appeared in over 65 matches and won the Copa del Rey
in his final season
with the club. In 2010, Squillaci signed a three-year contract with English club Arsenal.
Squillaci is a France international
. Prior to playing at senior level, he played at under-20
and under-21
level. At under-21 level, he played on the team that won the bronze medal at the 2001 Mediterranean Games
. Squillaci made his senior international debut in August 2004 in a friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina
. He has participated in UEFA Euro 2008, as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup
for his nation. In both major tournaments combined, Squillaci has appeared in only one match, which came in the team's final group stage match against South Africa
at the 2010 World Cup.
of Toulon
and was raised in nearby La Seyne-sur-Mer
. On 12 May 2007, for his positive representation of La Seyne, the commune honored the player by naming a stadium after him. The Stade de Squillaci is currently being occupied by amateur club Avenir Sportif de Mar. Squillaci is of Corsica
n descent through both his mother and father. The couple moved to the mainland
from the commune of Ghisonaccia
in Haute-Corse
. Squillaci is married and has a son, Aaron. He is a member of Champions for Peace, which is a group of 54 athletes that are committed to serving peace in the world through sport. The group was created by Peace and Sport
, a Monaco
-based international organization.
in 1996 at the age of 16. He was originally a defensive midfielder and spent only one season in the club's youth academy, where he was supervised by former club player Christian Dalger
. Squillaci began the 1997–98 season playing on the club's reserve team. Following the firing of Albert Emon
mid-season, he was replaced with Dalger. In March 1998, Dalger, subsequently, called up Squillaci to the first team and he made his professional debut on 7 March 1998 in a 1–0 league win over Nice
appearing as a substitute for Victor Agali
. With Toulon in a relegation battle, Squillaci made substitute appearances in wins over Lille
, Le Mans, and Lorient
and defeats to Martigues
and Red Star Paris. Toulon ultimately finished the campaign in 20th place, which resulted in the club's relegation to the Championnat National
, the third level of French football
. Squillaci finished the season with five appearances in the league and one in the Coupe de France
. Toulon, surprisingly, reached the Round of 16 in the latter competition.
. He was recruited by Monaco
and joined the club in 1998. Following his signing, Squillaci was inserted onto the club's reserve team, which was playing in the Championnat de France amateur, the fourth level of French football. He spent two years playing on the club's reserve team from 1998 to 2000 amassing over 45 appearances. After failing to establish himself under Claude Puel
, Monaco officials announced that Squillaci would be heading to Corsica
to join Ligue 2
club AC Ajaccio
on loan. In two seasons with the club, Squillaci appeared in over 70 matches and helped the club achieve promotion to Ligue 2
.
After Puel's departure and the appointment of new manager Didier Deschamps
, Squillaci joined Monaco in 2002. In his first full season as a player for his side. Facing Real Madrid
in the quarter finals of the 2003–04 UEFA Champions League
, they progressed despite losing 4–2 in Madrid, due to the 3–1 victory in the return leg, thus advancing through to the semi-finals on the away goals rule
where they beat Chelsea
. Their run came to an end when they suffered a 3–0 defeat to Portuguese giants FC Porto in the final
. Squillaci made 117 appearances for the club over six seasons.
with Lyon's Sylvain Monsoreau
heading the other way as compensation for Monaco. Squillaci made his debut for Lyon in their opening match of the Ligue 1 season
pairing with the Brazil
ian centre back Cris
. Lyon would go on to dominate the season winning the league by an unprecedented 18 points. Squillaci went on to establish himself as the first choice centre back, along with Brazilian international Cris, at Lyon.
on a three-year contract in the summer of 2010, taking the number 18 shirt, previously held by ex-Arsenal centre backs Mikaël Silvestre
and Pascal Cygan
. Following an injury to centre-back Thomas Vermaelen, Squillaci formed a central defensive partnership with fellow new signing, Laurent Koscielny
. Squillaci scored his first goal for Arsenal in the Champions League
group stage against Partizan Belgrade
. His first Premier League goal came in a match against Stoke on 23 February 2011 following a cross from Nicklas Bendtner
. During the 2010–11 season, Squillaci made 32 appearances and has scored 2 goals for the Gunners in all competitions, but has been widely criticised for his performance on the pitch after making some high profiled mistakes.
Because of his poor performance in his first season and due to the arrival of German international, Per Mertesacker
, Squillaci has fallen down the pecking order at the club following the 2011–12 season
. He made his first apperance of the season in the Carling Cup defeat to Manchester City on the 29th of November 2011 where he played the full 90 minutes.
international since 2004, making his debut in a friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina
. He currently has 21 caps for France.
He also qualifies for the non-FIFA affiliated team of Corsica
, having been called up for their 2011 friendly with Bulgaria. He qualifies through both his father and mother's Corsican heritage.
Monaco
Lyon
Sevilla
Italy national football team
The Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
Salvatore Schillaci
Salvatore Schillaci
Salvatore Schillaci , commonly referred to by his nickname Totò is a former Italian football player. During his career, he played for Messina , Juventus , Internazionale and Júbilo Iwata...
, who was the first to acquire the nickname.
Squillaci began his football career playing for hometown club club FC Seynois in the commune
Communes of France
The commune is the lowest level of administrative division in the French Republic. French communes are roughly equivalent to incorporated municipalities or villages in the United States or Gemeinden in Germany...
of La Seyne-sur-Mer
La Seyne-sur-Mer
La Seyne-sur-Mer, or La Seyne is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. It is part of the agglomeration of Toulon, and is situated adjacent to the west of this city.-Economy:...
. In 1996, he joined Sporting Toulon
Sporting Toulon Var
Sporting Toulon Var is a football club from Toulon, France, who currently play in the French sixth division . The club, which was founded in 1944, is presided by Jacques Jayet and managed by Luigi Alfano.- History :...
and made his professional debut in the 1997–98 season, while the club was playing in Ligue 2
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
. After a year with Toulon, Squillaci joined Monaco
AS Monaco FC
Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club are a French football club based in Fontvieille, Monaco. The club was founded in 1924 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. The team plays its home matches at the Stade Louis II located within Fontvieille...
. He spent two seasons on the club's reserve team before joining AC Ajaccio
AC Ajaccio
Athletic Club Ajaccio is a French association football club based in the city of Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. The club was founded in 1910 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, having finished 2nd in the 2010–11 campaign in Ligue 2. The club president is Alain...
on loan for two years. Squillaci returned to Monaco in 2002 and contributed to the team that won the Coupe de la Ligue
Coupe de la Ligue
The Coupe de la Ligue , known outside of France as the French League Cup, is a knockout cup competition in French football organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel...
in 2003. He also featured in European competition
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
for the first time in his career and, in the 2003–04 season, played on the Monaco team that reached the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final
2004 UEFA Champions League Final
The 2004 UEFA Champions League Final was a football match played at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on 26 May 2004, to decide the winner of the 2003–04 UEFA Champions League...
. In that same season domestically, Squillaci was named to the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
Team of the Year. In 2006, Squillaci signed a long-term contract with league rivals Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The...
and won two consecutive league titles, as well as the Coupe de France
Coupe de France
The Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
in 2008 before departing for Spain in 2008 to join Sevilla. With Sevilla, he appeared in over 65 matches and won the Copa del Rey
Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
in his final season
2010 Copa del Rey Final
The 2010 Copa del Rey final was the 106th final since its establishment. The match took place on 19 May 2010 at the Camp Nou, Barcelona. The match was contested by Sevilla and Atlético Madrid, and it was refereed by Manuel Mejuto González....
with the club. In 2010, Squillaci signed a three-year contract with English club Arsenal.
Squillaci is a France international
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
. Prior to playing at senior level, he played at under-20
France national under-20 football team
The France national under-20 football team is the national under-20 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which is held every two years and the Toulon Tournament, which is held every May when football league...
and under-21
France national under-21 football team
The France national under-21 football team , known in France as Les Espoirs , is the national under-21 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, held every two years...
level. At under-21 level, he played on the team that won the bronze medal at the 2001 Mediterranean Games
2001 Mediterranean Games
The 14th edition of the Mediterranean Games were held in Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, from 2 to 15 September 2001. Twenty three nations competed in 23 different sporting events. France won the most gold medals in the competition while Italy had the greatest medal haul overall with 136 in...
. Squillaci made his senior international debut in August 2004 in a friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team
The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team is the national football team of Bosnia and Herzegovina, governed by the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina...
. He has participated in UEFA Euro 2008, as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
for his nation. In both major tournaments combined, Squillaci has appeared in only one match, which came in the team's final group stage match against South Africa
South Africa national football team
The South Africa national football team represents South Africa in association football and is controlled by the South African Football Association, the governing body for football in South Africa. South Africa's home ground is Soccer City, known as FNB Stadium due to a naming rights deal, in...
at the 2010 World Cup.
Personal life
Squillaci was born in the communeCommunes of France
The commune is the lowest level of administrative division in the French Republic. French communes are roughly equivalent to incorporated municipalities or villages in the United States or Gemeinden in Germany...
of Toulon
Toulon
Toulon is a town in southern France and a large military harbor on the Mediterranean coast, with a major French naval base. Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region, Toulon is the capital of the Var department in the former province of Provence....
and was raised in nearby La Seyne-sur-Mer
La Seyne-sur-Mer
La Seyne-sur-Mer, or La Seyne is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. It is part of the agglomeration of Toulon, and is situated adjacent to the west of this city.-Economy:...
. On 12 May 2007, for his positive representation of La Seyne, the commune honored the player by naming a stadium after him. The Stade de Squillaci is currently being occupied by amateur club Avenir Sportif de Mar. Squillaci is of Corsica
Corsica
Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located west of Italy, southeast of the French mainland, and north of the island of Sardinia....
n descent through both his mother and father. The couple moved to the mainland
Metropolitan France
Metropolitan France is the part of France located in Europe. It can also be described as mainland France or as the French mainland and the island of Corsica...
from the commune of Ghisonaccia
Ghisonaccia
Ghisonaccia is a commune of the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica.-Population:-References:*...
in Haute-Corse
Haute-Corse
Haute-Corse is a French department. It constitutes the northern part of the island of Corsica.- History :The department was formed on 15 September 1975, when the department of Corse was divided into Haute-Corse and Corse-du-Sud...
. Squillaci is married and has a son, Aaron. He is a member of Champions for Peace, which is a group of 54 athletes that are committed to serving peace in the world through sport. The group was created by Peace and Sport
Peace and Sport
Peace and Sport, "L’Organisation pour la Paix par le Sport” is a neutral and apolitical international initiative based in the Principality of Monaco and placed under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco....
, a Monaco
Monaco
Monaco , officially the Principality of Monaco , is a sovereign city state on the French Riviera. It is bordered on three sides by its neighbour, France, and its centre is about from Italy. Its area is with a population of 35,986 as of 2011 and is the most densely populated country in the...
-based international organization.
Early career
Squillaci began his football career playing for hometown club FC Seynois. While training at La Seyne, he was described by his coach Franck Seva as a "lovely, quiet boy". Squillaci spent a decade at the club before moving to professional club Sporting ToulonSporting Toulon Var
Sporting Toulon Var is a football club from Toulon, France, who currently play in the French sixth division . The club, which was founded in 1944, is presided by Jacques Jayet and managed by Luigi Alfano.- History :...
in 1996 at the age of 16. He was originally a defensive midfielder and spent only one season in the club's youth academy, where he was supervised by former club player Christian Dalger
Christian Dalger
Christian Dalger is a former French footballer who played striker, who earned six international caps for the French national team during the 1970s, scoring two goals....
. Squillaci began the 1997–98 season playing on the club's reserve team. Following the firing of Albert Emon
Albert Emon
Albert Emon is French football manager.-Career:As a player he won the Ligue 1 with Olympique Marseille in 1972 and the Coupe de France in 1980 with AS Monaco. Emon also played for Stade de Reims and Olympique Lyonnais....
mid-season, he was replaced with Dalger. In March 1998, Dalger, subsequently, called up Squillaci to the first team and he made his professional debut on 7 March 1998 in a 1–0 league win over Nice
OGC Nice
Olympique Gymnaste Club Nice Côte d'Azur is a French association football club based in Nice. The club was founded in 1904 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top-tier of French football. Nice plays its home matches at the Stade Municipal du Ray located within the city. In 2013, the club is...
appearing as a substitute for Victor Agali
Victor Agali
Victor Okechukwu Agali is a Nigerian footballer who last played for Jiangsu Sainty.-Career:At the age of 17, Agali was the top goalscorer in the Nigerian second division, and was picked up by French club Olympique Marseille. Finding it hard to establish a first team place, he played for Toulon,...
. With Toulon in a relegation battle, Squillaci made substitute appearances in wins over Lille
Lille OSC
LOSC Lille Métropole is a French association football club based in Lille. The club was founded in 1944 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football. Lille plays its home matches at the Stade Lille-Metropole in nearby Villeneuve-d'Ascq. In 2012, the...
, Le Mans, and Lorient
FC Lorient
Football Club Lorient-Bretagne Sud is a French association football club based in Lorient. The club was founded in 1926 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Lorient plays its home matches at the Stade du Moustoir located within the city. The team is managed by Christian...
and defeats to Martigues
FC Martigues
FC Martigues play in the Championnat National, which is the third level of football in France. The club was formed in 1921 and played regional football until the early 1970s when the club gained promotion to the professional Second Division.The club's greatest achievement was winning promotion to...
and Red Star Paris. Toulon ultimately finished the campaign in 20th place, which resulted in the club's relegation to the Championnat National
Championnat National
The Championnat de France National, commonly referred to as simply National or Division 3, serves as the third division of the French football league system behind Ligue 1 and Ligue 2...
, the third level of French football
Football in France
Football is the most popular sport in France. The Fédération Française de Football is the national governing bodyand is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the game of association football in the country, both professional and amateur...
. Squillaci finished the season with five appearances in the league and one in the Coupe de France
Coupe de France
The Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
. Toulon, surprisingly, reached the Round of 16 in the latter competition.
Monaco
Due to not being under a professional contract while playing with Toulon, Squillaci was allowed to leave the club on a free transferBosman ruling
Union Royale Belge des Sociétés de Football Association ASBL v Jean-Marc Bosman is a 1995 European Court of Justice decision concerning freedom of movement for workers, freedom of association, and direct effect of article 39 of the EC Treaty...
. He was recruited by Monaco
AS Monaco FC
Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club are a French football club based in Fontvieille, Monaco. The club was founded in 1924 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. The team plays its home matches at the Stade Louis II located within Fontvieille...
and joined the club in 1998. Following his signing, Squillaci was inserted onto the club's reserve team, which was playing in the Championnat de France amateur, the fourth level of French football. He spent two years playing on the club's reserve team from 1998 to 2000 amassing over 45 appearances. After failing to establish himself under Claude Puel
Claude Puel
Claude Puel is a French football manager and former player. He spent 17 years playing for AS Monaco.-Managerial career:...
, Monaco officials announced that Squillaci would be heading to Corsica
Corsica
Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located west of Italy, southeast of the French mainland, and north of the island of Sardinia....
to join Ligue 2
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
club AC Ajaccio
AC Ajaccio
Athletic Club Ajaccio is a French association football club based in the city of Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. The club was founded in 1910 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, having finished 2nd in the 2010–11 campaign in Ligue 2. The club president is Alain...
on loan. In two seasons with the club, Squillaci appeared in over 70 matches and helped the club achieve promotion to Ligue 2
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
.
After Puel's departure and the appointment of new manager Didier Deschamps
Didier Deschamps
Didier Claude Deschamps is a retired French footballer and current manager of Marseille. He played as a defensive midfielder. As an international, he assisted France with victories in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000...
, Squillaci joined Monaco in 2002. In his first full season as a player for his side. Facing Real Madrid
Real Madrid
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
in the quarter finals of the 2003–04 UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
, they progressed despite losing 4–2 in Madrid, due to the 3–1 victory in the return leg, thus advancing through to the semi-finals on the away goals rule
Away goals rule
The away goals rule is a method of breaking ties in association football and other sports when teams play each other twice, once at each team's home ground. By the away goals rule, the team that has scored more goals "away from home" will win if scores are otherwise equal...
where they beat Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
. Their run came to an end when they suffered a 3–0 defeat to Portuguese giants FC Porto in the final
2004 UEFA Champions League Final
The 2004 UEFA Champions League Final was a football match played at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on 26 May 2004, to decide the winner of the 2003–04 UEFA Champions League...
. Squillaci made 117 appearances for the club over six seasons.
Olympique Lyonnais
After the departure of Deschamps and a disappointing 11th place finish after years of European qualification, Squillaci opted to play elsewhere. He was linked to several clubs before inking a four-year deal with Olympique LyonnaisOlympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The...
with Lyon's Sylvain Monsoreau
Sylvain Monsoreau
Sylvain Monsoreau is a French footballer who plays for Saint-Étienne. He started his career with FC Sochaux-Montbéliard playing 110 games and scoring 4 goals. His first professional match for Sochaux was a 2–1 victory over Bordeaux in 2001.He also scored a goal for Sochaux in 6 UEFA Cup matches in...
heading the other way as compensation for Monaco. Squillaci made his debut for Lyon in their opening match of the Ligue 1 season
Ligue 1 season 2006/2007
Le Championnat 2006-07 was the 69th edition since its establishment. The competition took place on August 4, 2006, and ended on 26 May 2007.Once again, Olympique Lyonnais are the reigning champions of France, for the sixth time running...
pairing with the Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian centre back Cris
Cristiano Marques Gomes
Cristiano Marques Gomes or simply Cris, is a Brazilian footballer. He currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais as a centre back and has also represented his country. Also nicknamed "the policeman" by way of reference to his authoritarian nature on the pitch and his four months experience in a police...
. Lyon would go on to dominate the season winning the league by an unprecedented 18 points. Squillaci went on to establish himself as the first choice centre back, along with Brazilian international Cris, at Lyon.
Sevilla
On the 14 July 2008, it was reported that Lyon had reached an agreement with Sevilla FC for the transfer of Squiallaci for a transfer fee of £6m. Squillaci agreed to a three-year deal. Six months after his departure from Sevilla, in January 2011, officials of Squillaci's second club Toulon confirmed that the club was seeking €150,000 in compensation from Spanish club Sevilla. The compensation Toulon is seeking is related to a trainers' fee, in which clubs who trained a player from ages 12–18 are guaranteed 5% of any future transfer fee. Sevilla has agreed to meet with the Toulon, but no agreement has been reached.Arsenal
Squillaci joined Arsenal F.C.Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
on a three-year contract in the summer of 2010, taking the number 18 shirt, previously held by ex-Arsenal centre backs Mikaël Silvestre
Mikael Silvestre
Mikaël Samy Silvestre is a French international footballer. He plays as defender and is currently signed with Werder Bremen of the Bundesliga. He has also played for the French national team...
and Pascal Cygan
Pascal Cygan
Pascal Cygan is a retired French footballer. His favoured position was central defender, but he could also play at left back when needed....
. Following an injury to centre-back Thomas Vermaelen, Squillaci formed a central defensive partnership with fellow new signing, Laurent Koscielny
Laurent Koscielny
Laurent Koscielny is a French footballer who plays as a defender for Arsenal. He primarily plays as a centre back but he can also play as an right back, a position where he started his career. Koscielny is a youth product of Guingamp. He is described as an aggressive, uncompromising and...
. Squillaci scored his first goal for Arsenal in the Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
group stage against Partizan Belgrade
Partizan Belgrade
Jugoslovensko Sportsko Društvo Partizan, commonly abbreviated as JSD Partizan is a sports association from Belgrade, Serbia. Founded on 4th October 1945, it's an umbrella organization featuring 26 clubs in 26 sports.-Sports/Clubs:-History:...
. His first Premier League goal came in a match against Stoke on 23 February 2011 following a cross from Nicklas Bendtner
Nicklas Bendtner
Nicklas Bendtner , is a Danish international footballer who plays for Sunderland on loan from Arsenal as a striker...
. During the 2010–11 season, Squillaci made 32 appearances and has scored 2 goals for the Gunners in all competitions, but has been widely criticised for his performance on the pitch after making some high profiled mistakes.
Because of his poor performance in his first season and due to the arrival of German international, Per Mertesacker
Per Mertesacker
Per Mertesacker is a German footballer who plays as a defender for Arsenal and Germany. Mertesacker is a youth product of Hannover 96 and he made his senior league debut in November 2003. Mertesacker was soon dubbed "the Defence Pole" by German tabloids and gained a reputation for his good...
, Squillaci has fallen down the pecking order at the club following the 2011–12 season
2011–12 in English football
The 2011–12 season is the 132nd season of competitive football in England.The season began on 5 August 2011 for the Football Leagues, with the Premier starting eight days later, League Football Conference Starting one day before Premier League starts.The Championship, League One, and League Two...
. He made his first apperance of the season in the Carling Cup defeat to Manchester City on the 29th of November 2011 where he played the full 90 minutes.
International career
Squillaci has been a regular FranceFrance national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
international since 2004, making his debut in a friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team
The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team is the national football team of Bosnia and Herzegovina, governed by the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina...
. He currently has 21 caps for France.
He also qualifies for the non-FIFA affiliated team of Corsica
Corsica national football team
The Corsica national football team is the unofficial football team for the island of Corsica, France. It is not affiliated with FIFA or UEFA. Until now, the selection has played against national teams only three times : in 1967 against France, in 1998, just before the 1998 FIFA World Cup against...
, having been called up for their 2011 friendly with Bulgaria. He qualifies through both his father and mother's Corsican heritage.
Club
Statistics accurate as of 15 May 2011| Club | Season | League | Cup | Europe | Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | ||
| Toulon Sporting Toulon Var Sporting Toulon Var is a football club from Toulon, France, who currently play in the French sixth division . The club, which was founded in 1944, is presided by Jacques Jayet and managed by Luigi Alfano.- History :... |
1997–98 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | |
| Monaco B AS Monaco FC Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club are a French football club based in Fontvieille, Monaco. The club was founded in 1924 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. The team plays its home matches at the Stade Louis II located within Fontvieille... |
1998–99 Championnat de France Amateurs The Championnat de France amateur, commonly referred to as simply CFA and formerly known as National 2, is a football league competition. The league serves as the fourth division of the French football league system behind Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and the Championnat National... |
24 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 1 | 0 |
| 1999–00 Championnat de France Amateurs The Championnat de France amateur, commonly referred to as simply CFA and formerly known as National 2, is a football league competition. The league serves as the fourth division of the French football league system behind Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and the Championnat National... |
24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 48 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 1 | 0 | |
| Ajaccio AC Ajaccio Athletic Club Ajaccio is a French association football club based in the city of Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. The club was founded in 1910 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, having finished 2nd in the 2010–11 campaign in Ligue 2. The club president is Alain... (loan) |
2000–01 | 36 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 2 | 0 |
| 2001–02 | 33 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 5 | 0 | |
| Total | 69 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 71 | 7 | 0 | |
| Monaco AS Monaco FC Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club are a French football club based in Fontvieille, Monaco. The club was founded in 1924 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. The team plays its home matches at the Stade Louis II located within Fontvieille... |
2002–03 | 35 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 3 | 0 |
| 2003–04 | 27 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 41 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2004–05 | 28 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2005–06 | 27 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 3 | 0 | |
| Total | 117 | 11 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 23 | 2 | 0 | 153 | 14 | 0 | |
| Lyon Olympique Lyonnais Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The... |
2006–07 | 28 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 3 | 0 |
| 2007–08 | 34 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 46 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 62 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 83 | 4 | 0 | |
| Sevilla Sevilla FC Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D. is a Spanish professional football club based in Seville, Spain that plays in the Spanish La Liga championship.They are one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football having won a 1 La Liga title, 5 Spanish "Copa del Rey" Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup and 2 UEFA... |
2008–09 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009–10 2009–10 Ligue 1 The 2009–10 Ligue 1 season was the 72nd since its establishment. Bordeaux were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 5 June 2009, and play commenced on 8 August and ended on 15 May 2010. There were three promoted teams from Ligue 2, replacing the three teams that were relegated... |
16 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 31 | 3 | 0 | |
| Total | 49 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 69 | 3 | 0 | |
| Arsenal Arsenal F.C. Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups... |
2010–11 2010–11 in English football The 2010–11 season was the 131st season of competitive football in England.The season began on 6 August 2010 for the Football Leagues, with the Premier League and Football Conference both starting eight days later on 14 August 2010. The Championship, League One, and League Two ended on 7 May... |
22 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 32 | 2 | 0 |
| 2011–12 2011–12 in English football The 2011–12 season is the 132nd season of competitive football in England.The season began on 5 August 2011 for the Football Leagues, with the Premier starting eight days later, League Football Conference Starting one day before Premier League starts.The Championship, League One, and League Two... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 22 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 32 | 2 | 0 | |
| Career total | 371 | 24 | 0 | 38 | 2 | 0 | 50 | 5 | 0 | 459 | 33 | 0 | |
International
Statistics accurate as of 22 June 2010| National team | Season | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France France national football team The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe... |
2004–05 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| 2005–06 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2006–07 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2007–08 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2008–09 | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2009–10 2009–10 in French football The 2009–10 season was the 77th season of competitive professional football in France.The season began on 7 August 2009 for the Championnat National and Ligue 2 and on 8 August for Ligue 1 and the Championnat de France amateur... |
5 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2010–11 2010–11 in French football The 2010–11 season is the 78th season of competitive professional football in France. The league season began on 6 August 2010 for the Championnat National and Ligue 2 and on 7 August for Ligue 1 and the Championnat de France amateur. The season concluded on 26 May 2011 for Ligue 2, 27 May for the... |
0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 21 | 0 | 0 | |
Club
AjaccioAC Ajaccio
Athletic Club Ajaccio is a French association football club based in the city of Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. The club was founded in 1910 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, having finished 2nd in the 2010–11 campaign in Ligue 2. The club president is Alain...
- Ligue 2Ligue 2Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
(1): 2001–02
Monaco
AS Monaco FC
Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club are a French football club based in Fontvieille, Monaco. The club was founded in 1924 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. The team plays its home matches at the Stade Louis II located within Fontvieille...
- Coupe de la LigueCoupe de la LigueThe Coupe de la Ligue , known outside of France as the French League Cup, is a knockout cup competition in French football organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel...
(1): 2002–03
Lyon
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The...
- Ligue 1Ligue 1Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
(2): 2006–07, 2007–08Ligue 1 2007-08The 2007–08 Ligue 1 season is the seventieth since its establishment, and started in August 2007 and ended on 17 May 2008. The fixtures were announced in June 2007. Lyon became French champions, having won a record seventh consecutive title .... - Coupe de FranceCoupe de FranceThe Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
(1): 2007–08 - Trophée des ChampionsTrophée des championsThe Trophée des champions , is a French association football trophy contested in an annual match between the champions of Ligue 1 and the winners of the Coupe de France. It is equivalent to the Super Cups found in many countries...
(1): 20062006 Trophée des ChampionsThe 2006 Trophée des Champions was a football match held at Stade Gerland, Lyon on July 30, 2006, that saw 2005-06 Ligue 1 champions Olympique Lyonnais defeat 2006 Coupe de France champions Paris Saint-Germain FC 5-4 on penalty kicks after a draw of 1-1....
Sevilla
- Copa del ReyCopa del ReyThe Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
(1): 2009–102010 Copa del Rey FinalThe 2010 Copa del Rey final was the 106th final since its establishment. The match took place on 19 May 2010 at the Camp Nou, Barcelona. The match was contested by Sevilla and Atlético Madrid, and it was refereed by Manuel Mejuto González....
Individual
- UNFP Ligue 1Ligue 1Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
Team of the Year (1): 2003–04