FRANCISCO MOLINA is a steady, reliable Spanish goalkeeper, making his international debut on April 24, 1996 for  Spain. It was a memorable debut against Norway, when he came on as an outfield player for the last 14 minutes  of a goalless draw because Spain had used all their outfield substitutes.

Despite being part of the Spanish squads for the Euro '96 and France '98, more than three years elapsed before he finally got a chance to play in his specialistposition for his country.

The Valencia-born goalie went from relegated Atlético de Madrid to Deportivo in 2000. Deportivo had to pay 650 million pesetas for him. At Atlético, Molina had won the 'double' in 1996 by winning the La Liga, and the Copa Del Rey.

Molina won the fight for first team position against the legendary Jacques Songo'o  because his form was at an all time high.

The African goalkeeper had been Depor's first choice between 1996 and 2000, but had to give way to Molina.  Songo'o even left the club one year after the signing of Molina due to him not getting first team football.

Molina proved to be as good as Songo'o. Since his signing he has shown his quality, among which were the

penalty saves from Del Piero and Henry in the 2001/2002 Champions League which shows he can handle pressure well.

However, Molina might be best remembered, perhaps inside Spain as well outside it, for his mistake against Norway at the EURO 2000 tournament where he failed to clear a long clearance on the edge of Spain's area which then resulted in a crucial goal.

Despite being born in Valencia, Molina has never played a first-team game for them. He started at lowly CD Alzira, before playing at Villarreal, Albacete and Atlético.

With Deportivo Molina has had great success, because of the quality that deportivo process. He was part of the  side that won the la liga in 2000, which was the first time for the team. Not only this but also a Copa Del rey and  Spanish super copa title aswell.

Molina Is a goalkeeper who transmits a tranquillity, seriousness and seriousness difficult to surpass.

Molina at this moment in time (Oct 2002) is going through a tough time in his career as he is receiving course of chemotherapy. This is due to complications set in following the removal of a benign tumour on a testicle last year.

Players from Deportivo have shown there support by wearing t-shirts with a messages to Molina on them. We all hope to see Molina back soon.

For more information check out Molina's Career C.V