Fredy Alejandro Guarín Vásquez (born 30 June 1986) is a Colombian former professional footballer. A versatile player, he was comfortable as a central, defensive or right midfielder.
He started his career with Envigado, then had a short spell in Argentina, and played two years in France with Saint-Étienne. He made a name for himself with Porto in Portugal, where he spent four seasons and won ten major titles, including three Primeira Liga championships and the 2011 Europa League.
Guarín made his debut for the French side scoring twice in a friendly against RCD Espanyol, and gradually fought his way into the starting lineup as the season closed. He first appeared in the Ligue 1 on 14 October 2006 against Olympique Lyonnais,[2] and scored his first goal in a 3–1 victory over Troyes AC.[3] In April 2007, the deal was made permanent for four years.[4]
In 2010–11, even after the departure of Raul Meireles to Liverpool, Guarín initially struggled to make Porto's starting XI. He was, however, a very important midfield element for the eventual national champions, playing more than 40 official games and scoring ten goals,[8] including five in the Europa League campaign,[9][10][11][12][13] which also ended in conquest.[14]
Inter Milan
Guarín joined Inter Milan on 31 January 2012 for €1.5 million, on loan, with the player replacing Paris Saint-Germain FC-bound Thiago Motta.[15] The Italians also had an option to make the move permanent for €13.5 million in June.[16][17]
On 17 May 2012, a permanent deal was arranged, but for €11 million.[18] Guarín scored his first official goal for the Nerazzurri on 30 August, in a 2–2 home draw against FC Vaslui in the Europa League (4–2 on aggregate).[19] In the group stage of the same competition, he provided all three assists in a 3–1 defeat of Neftchi Baku PFC.[20]
Again in the Europa League, on 21 February 2013, Guarín scored twice in a 3–0 away win over CFR Cluj (5–0 on aggregate) to help Inter make it through to the last 16.[21] In the January 2014 transfer window, he was supposed to move to Juventus FC in exchange for Mirko Vučinić, but the deal ultimately fell through after the clubs could not reach an agreement.[22] He declared he would not return if he was not allowed to leave, but eventually he reconsidered;[23] it was later reported that he simply wanted to clarify his future with the club, stating that he never asked to leave and that he was confused as to why the situation was created.[24][25]
On 7 December 2014, in his 100th appearance for Inter, Guarín assisted Mauro Icardi in the 44th minute of an eventual 1–2 home defeat to Udinese Calcio.[29] On 16 February of the following year, he scored twice after winning a first-minute penalty kick in a 4–1 victory at Atalanta BC, helping his team to secure the first away win in the league since December 2014.[30][31]
Guarín was selected by José Pekerman for his 2014 World Cup squad.[38] He played his first game in the tournament on 24 June after the national team had already won its first two group matches, featuring the full 90 minutes in a 4–1 win against Japan which was also his 49th cap;[39] he earned his 50th four days later, coming on as a late substitute to help oust Uruguay 2–0 in the round of 16.[40]
On 10 May 2015, whilst at the service of Inter, Guarín suffered a muscular injury to his right leg, being ruled out of the Copa América.[41]
Style of play
A versatile player, Guarín was a strong, fast and creative attacking midfielder, who could also play in the centre, in a holding role or on the right flank. He was capable of shooting from long-range with both feet, and of acting as a playmaker in midfield.[42][43][44]
In 2013, Guarín's Inter manager Andrea Stramaccioni described him as "...an extraordinary player who combines physicality with technique in an incredible way. He is also an important element in the locker room."[45]
Personal life
During an interview in May 2024, Guarín admitted that he struggled with alcoholism.[46]
Career statistics
Club
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[47][48][49]
^"Comunicado" [Announcement] (PDF) (in Portuguese). FC Porto. 31 January 2012. Archived from the original(PDF) on 23 May 2012. Retrieved 17 May 2012.
^"FC Porto transfere Guarín" [FC Porto transfer Guarín] (in Portuguese). FC Porto. 17 May 2012. Archived from the original on 19 May 2012. Retrieved 17 May 2012.