Asier del Horno, a true character who made his career in La Liga, in the Premier League with Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, and with the Spanish national team, always left the feeling that with his infinite potential, he could have left a greater mark. He had class, power, and directness.

The Spanish defender completed a brief but successful stint during his single season at Stamford Bridge under the management of Jose Mourinho. Following a transfer of nearly £8M from Athletic Club, the left-back contributed to the winning of two domestic titles.

Playing Statistics: Total Matches: 34 official appearances in all competitions. Premier League: 25 appearances, establishing himself as a regular piece in the defense. Goals: 1 goal (scored against Tottenham Hotspur in August 2005).

Honors: Premier League (2005-06): He was part of the champion team that retained the league title. FA Community Shield (2005): He was crowned champion after the victory against Arsenal at the start of the campaign.

Del Horno's time in London is also remembered for his sending off in the Champions League round of 16 against FC Barcelona, after a foul on Lionel Messi, an incident that marked the end of his European participation with the Blues before his return to Spain with Valencia CF.

It was sensed that when he hung up his boots, which he did at 31 due to an injury at Levante, he would not dedicate himself to any football discipline. He preferred to stay away from the spotlight and be at peace in his hometown of Las Carreras, surrounded by people he trusted. In business, he has invested part of his earnings in football alongside his friend and partner Fran Yeste in hospitality ventures.

The former left-back for Athletic, Chelsea, Valencia CF, Levante, and Real Valladolid won over Jose Mourinho, who did not hesitate to urge his club to pay Athletic the €12M, where he was shining on the wing at San Mames, to land in London. Valencia CF bet on his return to Spain, paying €7M with a six-season contract, but without ever fully settling due to injuries and moving through loans at Athletic itself, Valladolid, and Levante, where he played his last football.

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