He spent most of his professional career in Spain–11 years out of 18–with Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Getafe, respectively, amassing totals of 330 matches and 70 goals in both major levels combined.
He notably played in La Liga, where he was a former captain of FC Barcelona. He played for a string of European clubs in that period, including a four-year stint at PSV Eindhoven and winning the UEFA Cup with Galatasaray.
Later he joined Primera División club Real Betis, and played four and a half seasons there before joining FC Zürich. He retired in 2008 after he spent to seasons at MSV Duisburg.