Fran Rico

Francisco Manuel Rico Castro (born 3 August 1987) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Formed at Pontevedra, he spent most of his career – riddled with injury problems – at Granada, appearing in 117 competitive matches. In La Liga, he also played with Eibar.

Pontevedra
Born in Portonovo, Province of Pontevedra, Rico joined local Pontevedra CF's youth ranks at the age of 14, making his senior debut on 18 December 2005 in a Segunda División B match against CD San Isidro.

Mainly a substitute in his first year, he became an important part of the Galicians' squad the following seasons.

Real Madrid
Rico joined Real Madrid in summer 2008, being assigned to the reserve team also in the third division. He made his debut on 31 August, scoring the first goal in a 2–0 win at UD Vecindario. On 14 September, in his third appearance, against CD Alfaro, he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury eight minutes into the match, being lost for the rest of the campaign.

Thirteen months after his injury, Rico played his first game of the season, against RSD Alcalá. On 8 November 2009, he scored twice in the 4–2 home victory over Gimnástica de Torrelavega, from penalties.

In the first round of 2010–11, Rico found the net against Coruxo FC in a 3–2 home win. He scored a career-best six goals during the campaign, including one in the unsuccessful promotion playoffs.

Granada
On 5 August 2011, Rico left Castilla and signed for Granada CF, with Real Madrid retaining an option for the player in case of a future transfer. On 25 September, he scored his first La Liga goal in only his second league game for his new team: after replacing Moisés Hurtado at half-time, he netted the equaliser in an eventual 1–1 home draw with CA Osasuna.

In April 2012, Rico was sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering another injury to his right knee. He also missed the entirety of the following campaign.

Rico was ever-present for the Andalusians in 2013–14, with his side narrowly avoiding relegation. On 26 February 2015, he renewed his contract with the club until 2020.

On 26 August 2016, Rico was loaned to fellow top-tier SD Eibar for two years. On 2 October, he scored their first-ever goal against Real Madrid and at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in a 1–1 draw. He missed the entire 2017–18 season, due to the same ailment.

Returning to Granada for 2018–19, Rico only appeared in one league match during the campaign for the runners-up. On 16 July 2019, he terminated his contract.

After retiring, Rico worked with Eibar and Sporting de Gijón in directorial capacities. He was later part of his former Eibar coach José Luis Mendilibar's staffs at Sevilla FC and Olympiacos FC.

Honors
Pontevedra
 * Segunda División B: 2006–07
 * Copa Federación de España: 2006–07