Asier del Horno, the player who enamoured Mourinho, where is he now? | OneFootball

Asier del Horno, once a rampaging left-back for Athletic and Chelsea, is living quietly away from football after an injury-curtailed career. Now aged 45, he has chosen to keep out of the spotlight.

According to AS, he is based in Las Carreras among close friends and has invested part of his football earnings in hospitality with his associate Fran Yeste.

Del Horno burst through at Athletic, impressing at San Mamés with his power and direct running. José Mourinho was taken by his form and urged Chelsea to pay 12 million to bring him to the Premier League.

Valencia CF then secured his return to Spain for 7 million on a six-season deal. He struggled to settle because of injuries, moving on loan to Athletic, Real Valladolid and Levante, where he retired at 31 following a setback.

Away from football, he has enjoyed pelota and paddle, sports he had pursued before opting for the game. He often vied with Aitor Larrazabal for the left flank at Athletic, and he scored five goals against Real Madrid, typically cutting in from the left to strike from the edge of the box.

Source: AS