Joaquín Peiró
Joaquín Peiró Lucas was born in Madrid, on January 29, 1936.
His first professional club was Real Murcia in 1954-55. He played 22 league games and scored 15 goals. He contributed to the "Pimentoneros" promotion to the top flight.
His performances attracted the attention of Atlético Madrid for he signed in 1955 and stayed just over seven seasons. He played 219 games and scored 128 goals, winning the Copa del Rey twice and the Cup Winners Cup (1962). His managers were Antonio Barrios (two seasons), Ferdinand Daučik (two seasons), José Villalonga (two seasons) and Rafael García Repullo. One of his teammates in Madrid was future Lazio manager Juan Carlos Lorenzo (1968-71 and Sept 1984-Mar '85).
In October 1962 he joined Torino in Serie A. He stayed two seasons, playing 56 games with 18 goals. Toro finished 10th and 7th and reached the Coppa Italia final both in 1963 and 1964 but lost to Atalanta and Roma. His managers were Benjamin Santos, Giacinto Ellena and Nereo Rocco. His teammates included Lazio connections Giambattista Moschino (1962-63, 1971-73) and Gigi Simoni (manager 1985-86). He also played alongside Enzo Bearzot (Italy 1982 World Cup winning manager).
In 1964 Peiró signed for Inter and stayed two seasons. He played 47 games and scored 16 goals. He won the Scudetto twice, a European Cup (1965) and the Intercontinental Cup twice. His manager was Helenio Herrera. He played with former Lazio, Carlo Tagnin (1958-59) and future Lazio Mario Facco (1968-74) and Ciccio Cordova (1976-79) but also with players such as Giacinto Facchetti, Armando Picchi, Sandro Mazzola, Mario Corso, Angelo Domenghini, Luis Suarez and Jair da Costa.
In 1966 Peiró joined Roma and stayed four seasons. He played 139 games and scored 32 goals. Roma finished 3rd, 10th, 8th and 10th but won a Coppa Italia in 1969. His managers were Oronzo Pugliese (two seasons) and Helenio Herrera (two seasons). His teammates included Lazio connections; Vito D'Amato (1963-67), Cordova again, Luciano Spinosi (assistant manager 1997-2000).
At 34 he then retired.
Peiró won 12 caps for Spain and scored 5 goals (Portugal, England, Chile, Wales and Mexico). He took part in the 1962 and 1966 World Cups.
On retiring he became a manager. He started at Granada (1987-88, relegated to 3rd tier), then Figueres (1988-89, 2nd tier), Atlético Madrid (1989-90, from March onwards, 4th place), Real Murcia (1991-93, relegated to 3rd tier then promoted again), Badajoz (1997-98, 2nd tier, 6th), Malaga (1998-2003, promotion to top tier,12th, 8th, 10th, 13th - in 2003 he won the Intertoto Cup and then reached the UEFA quarterfinals) and finally Real Murcia again (2003-04, relegated from top flight).
As a player he was a forward. He started as a winger and was nicknamed "Galgo" (Greyhound) for his lean physique and speed. He later evolved into a centre-forward and became a prolific goal scorer (209 in total). His opportunism then earned him the nickname "Ala infernal".
He had an excellent career winning an impressive amount of silverware (2 league titles, 3 domestic cups, a European Cup, a Cup Winners Cup and an Intercontinental Cup).
Joaquín Peiró died in Madrid, on March 18, 2020.
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