FCBARCELONA.CAT

06.05.2007 11:24

Gio makes it a ton

Sergi Nogueras

Gio Van Bronckhorst celebrated his 100th league appearance for FC Barcelona in the best way possible, as he put in a strong performance to help the team to victory over Real Sociedad in Anoeta.

The Netherlands international was pleased to have reached the landmark and also delighted to have helped Frank Rijkaard's side maintain control in their quest for a third consecutive title. To mark his centenary, Gio put in one of his best displays of the season. After the encounter he talked to Barça TV and revealed that he was well aware of the meaning of the match on a personal level: "I am very pleased to have played 100 games for Barça in the league," he said. "Also, it is great to able to mark the moment with another win, rather than with a defeat. To win in the Anoeta has been a great way to celebrate that."

Debut in San Mamés

His first league match for the Blaugrana was also in the Basque Country as he made his debut against Athletic Club Bilbao in San Mamés soon after being transferred from Premiership side Arsenal at the start of the 2003-04 campaign. That match, on the opening day of the season, was the club's first victory under Rijkaard (0-1), thanks to a goal from Philip Cocu after he met a cross from the left from Gio.

Record books

During his first year at Camp Nou, the former Feyenoord and Rangers full-back established himself in the side, playing 34 out of the 38 league games with only Cocu and Xavi playing more, 36 each. In his second term, 2004-05, Gio chalked up his best goals tally for a season as he scored four times in 29 league matches. Gio has, in fact, scored a goal in each of his years with FC Barcelona, taking all competitions into account. His only goal this term came in the Copa del Rey encounter with neighbours Badalona.

Another milestone

As well as reaching the ton mark on the league, Gio is very close to reaching 150 games in all competitions. With 100 games in the league, the 32-year-old has also played 15 matches in the Copa del Rey, 24 in the Champions League, five in the UEFA Cup, two in the FIFA Club World Cup and one in the Spanish Super Cup. In total, he has made 147 matches for the club and scored seven goals.