17 Facts About Gino Padula

Gino Mauro Padula was born on 11 July 1976 and is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as a left back.

Gino Padula started his career in the esteemed River Plate system, but achieved highest accolades while at Queens Park Rangers and Columbus Crew.

Gino Padula first moved to England when he joined Bristol Rovers in 1999, however he only joined on trial and didn't make an appearance for them.

Gino Padula signed for Wigan Athletic in 2000, and at Wigan he scored his first goal in English football in a Football League Trophy tie against his former club Walsall.

Gino Padula was signed in 2002 by then QPR manager Ian Holloway who he had worked with during his spell at Bristol Rovers.

Gino Padula initially found it hard to break into the first team.

Gino Padula made his debut for the club as a substitute against Barnsley on 17 August 2002.

Gino Padula's first start for QPR came on 2 November 2002 against Port Vale, however in the first half goalkeeper Simon Royce was sent off and substitute goalkeeper Fraser Digby was brought on for Padula.

Gino Padula eventually got his chance due to injuries from January 2003, and he finally started to display his tough slide tackling and steely determination.

Gino Padula became an overnight fan-favourite and one of the first names on the team sheet.

Gino Padula scored his first goal for the club against Port Vale, the same team he was disappointingly substituted off against months earlier.

Gino Padula helped QPR to the 2003 Division Two playoff final which he started and performed solidly against Cardiff City at the Millennium Stadium.

Gino Padula was withdrawn in the 79th minute, being replaced by Tommy Williams.

Gino Padula remains one of the most popular modern-era QPR characters.

Gino Padula signed for Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew on 24 March 2008, after going on trial with the club during preseason.

Gino Padula made his debut for the American side on matchday three, and started all 14 games that he appeared in during the regular season, missing twelve games due to knee and hamstring injuries.

Gino Padula has been certified to coach by FIFA and holds an "A" license.