Álvarez resumed his career in the lower leagues, being second or third choice. In 1994, he joined FC Andorra who competed in the Spanish football league system, going on to remain 14 of the following 15 seasons with the club and retiring aged 39.[3] After being naturalised, he began representing the Andorra national team, making his debut on 3 June 1998 in a 3–0 friendly loss to Brazil.[4]
On 10 June 2009, Álvarez played his last international, a 6–0 defeat against England for the 2010 FIFA World Cupqualifiers; arguably one of the best players in the match, he received a standing ovation from the opposing fans for his efforts, after he was substituted in injury time.[5] Previously, in November 2003, to celebrate UEFA's Jubilee, he was selected as Andorra's Golden Player by the Andorran Football Federation as their most outstanding player of the past 50 years.[6][7]
Coaching career
Álvarez was appointed as the Andorra national team's manager on 2 February 2010, replacing David Rodrigo.[8] His first win (on his 49th game in charge) came seven years and 20 days later, 2–0 over fellow minnows San Marino in a friendly.[9][10]
On 25 March 2017, nearly 12 years after the last point won in official matches, Álvarez led the side to a 0–0 draw with Faroe Islands for the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.[11] On 9 June, for the same competition, a 1–0 win against Hungary in Andorra la Vella was achieved, the first competitive one since October 2004.[12][13]
Personal life
Álvarez's son, Iker, is also a footballer and a goalkeeper. He was coached by his father in the national team setup.[14]