Roberto Canella

Roberto Canella Suárez (born 7 February 1988) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a left-back.

He spent most of his professional career with Sporting de Gijón since making his debut with the first team at the age of 18, going on to appear in 313 official matches. Of those, 129 were in La Liga (four goals).

Canella represented Spain at under-19, under-20 and under-21 levels.

Sporting Gijón
Canella was born in Laviana, Asturias. A product of Sporting de Gijón's cantera he first appeared with the main squad during 2006–07, and established himself as first choice the following season as they returned to La Liga after a ten-year hiatus.

Canella scored his first top-flight goal on 5 October 2008 in a 2–0 away win against RCD Mallorca, being a starter throughout the campaign. According to Cadena COPE, Real Madrid was likely to acquire his services for 2009–10. Eventually nothing came of it, and the player again occupied the left-back position for the vast majority of the season, with Sporting again retaining their league status.

In the following years, Canella continued battling for position with another club youth graduate, José Ángel, with both players appearing in roughly the same number of matches. In 2011–12, following the latter's departure to AS Roma, he became the starter for the Manuel Preciado-led side.

On 27 June 2014, Canella was loaned to Deportivo de La Coruña, recently returned to the top tier. On 22 June 2019, the 31-year-old left Sporting after spending 20 years at the club and playing more than 300 competitive games for them.

Later career
On 27 July 2019, free agent Canella signed a two-year deal with CD Lugo of Segunda División. Three years later, the 34-year-old joined Primera Federación team CD Calahorra.

International career
Internationally, Canella helped Spain to win the 2006 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, played at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup still being under-19 and then moved to the under-21s.

Honours
Spain U19
 * UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2006