was also a footballer at Racing Club's Reserve Team but did not make an appearance and retired soon after, and has a younger brother. Growing up, he supported River Plate but only did so because his family were supporters of the club. However, he rarely saw the team play, as he preferred to kick a ball himself. He has Italian origins through his grandfather, which allowed him to have an Italian passport in August 2000. However, it was under scrutiny when Arca used a fake passport; which Italian Embassy in Buenos Aires responded with: "Finally, at the request of the club Julio Arca's passport was presented to immigration authorities at Heathrow Airport, who assessed and verified this in advance of his arrival." When Arca started out at Sunderland, he struggled to speak English and had to rely on Emerson Thome to act as an interpreter. Since settling in England, he quickly to learn and speak English. Because he was a fan favourite at Sunderland, the supporters recorded a musical tribute to Arca, calling the song: Hooolio. In August 2004, Arca suffered a severe allergic reaction after being stung by a jellyfish when he was swimming in the North Sea. Having spent five years in England so far, he revealed that he has now settled in the country. Arca is married to his native wife, Valeria, and together, they have two children. Since moving to England, he resided in Wearside, along with his family. Following his retirement from professional football, Arca earned his UEFA B Licence, having announced his intention to become a manager in 2015. He then became a Manager of the Sunderland Under 14 side. In 2019, Arca and his family moved back to Argentina, where he started a new business, Premier Sport Division, which helps sportspeople to relocate, transporting their lives across the world when they join new clubs. Career statistics Honours Sunderland Football League Championship: 2004–05 South Shields Northern League First Division: 2016–17 Northern League Second Division: 2015–16 Northern League Cup: 2016–17 FA Vase: 2016–17 Argentina FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2001 Individual PFA Championship Team of the Year: 2003–04, 2004–05 Middlesbrough Supporters' Player of the Year: 2010–11 Middlesbrough Players' Player of the Year: 2010–11 Middlesbrough Player of the Year: 2010 Sunderland Young Player of the Year: 2000–01 North East Football Award – Football League Footballer of the Year: 2003–04 Sunderland Solid Gold XI References External links 1981