Gabriel González (Paraguayan footballer)

Gabriel González
Personal information
Full name	Gabriel González Chaves
Date of birth	18 March 1961 (age 63)
Place of birth	Itapé, Paraguay
Height	1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Position(s)	Midfielder
International career
Years	Team
1987–2001	Paraguay

Gabriel González Chaves (born 18 March 1961) is a former

football player from Paraguay

. He played as a forward or attacking midfielder.

Mostly known as "El Loco" González, he is one of the most recognized and loved players by fans of

Raúl Vicente Amarilla

.

Club career

Apart from Olimpia "El Loco" also played for

Universitario de Deportes

.

González earned the nickname "El Loco" (crazy) because of his unusual behavior and also for his "crazy" skills displayed on the pitch. His unusual behavior caused him trouble in a 2001 game where, while playing for Olimpia, he got sent off. Because he disagreed with the call he punched the referee (who had to go to the hospital immediately) and the aftermath was a permanent suspension from playing football [1] which was later reduced to 2 and a half years. He played one more match when he came on as a substitute against Libertad on 5 March 2004 before announcing his retirement.

Despite the incident, he still is regarded as an idol by the fans of both Olimpia and Colón de Santa Fe.

International

González made his international debut for the

friendly match against Bolivia

(0-2 win). He obtained a total number of 34 international caps, scoring two goals for the national side.

Style of play

González was an extremely talented player, with good vision and passing skills, as well as finishing which allowed him to play as either a forward or attacking midfielder.