The footballing resume of Pablo Gabriel Garcia Perez needs no introduction. The great Uruguayan midfielder opted to connect his life with PAOK, continuing as the coach of the Under-20 side, the Under-19s, and then on to the senior team – after retiring from playing. He has already won three consecutive championships with Under-19s. Moreover, in the 2014-15 season, he had a short stint as an interim coach of the PAOK first team. He holds a UEFA A diploma.

As a footballer, Garcia began his career with Montevideo Wanderers, continued at Penarol, and six months later was transferred to Atletico Madrid, which was then playing in Spain’s second division. After two good seasons, he moved to Italy with Milan, but was loaned to Venezia. The following season he returned to Spain with Osasuna. His appearances there secured a move to Real Madrid on a three-year contract in the summer of 2005. In his first season with Real he made 25 appearances as teh club finished second in La Liga.

The then Real coach, however, Fabio Capello, sent him out on loan to Celta Vigo. From there he moved to Real Murcia until the summer of 2008, when he agreed a contract to move to PAOK. Just before he hung up his boots as a player, he had a short spell with Xanthi. At international level, he made his Uruguay debut on December 13, 1997 in a game against the United Arab Emirates. He participated in the Copa America in 1999 and in the World Cup in 2002.

His life is inextricably linked with PAOK now, as well as with several generations of talented young footballers.

He is married and is the father of three children.

Happy Birthday Pablo!