10 Players Who Probably Regret Joining Chelsea
6. Asier del Horno
It seems a long time ago now, but an exciting new talent that many predicted would solve Chelseas perennial left-back woes, once took the form of Asier del Horno. The 2005 version of Filipe Luis, Del Horno was quick, strong, but unlike Chelseas recent £15 million signing, he was no stranger to scoring a few goals himself. Indeed, English supporters will already have received a taste of his tendency for goals following his match-winner in a 2004 friendly for Spain.
Prior to his move to London, he had appeared 126 times in five seasons for Athletic Bilbao, finding the back of the net on 17 occasions, saving five for the occasions they duelled with Spanish giants Real Madrid. Worming his way into the Spanish starting XI, the future looked bright for the 24 year old left back, when Mourinho decided to part with £8 million for his services in June 2005.
However, Del Hornos stock fell as quickly as it had risen, as he struggled to cope with the rigours of Premier League life. Playing 34 times for the Blues, his goal-scoring touch deserted him, finding the net on only one occasion. While the season ended in title-lifting glory, he had clearly lost the faith shown in him by his boss £8 million splurge. Having been sent off for a reckless challenge on a teenage kid at Barcelona in the Champions League, by the name of Lionel something, his confidence never recovered. Subsequently, he was packaged and sent back to Spain, sold at a £2 million loss to Valencia.
Del Hornos career has nosedived, taking in three loan spells, before winding up at Levante. With his patented goalscoring touch having completely disappeared without a trace he scored just twice since that Chelsea header against Spurs he retired in 2011 at the age of 30, having failed to oust Juanfran, a man five years his senior, from the side.
Needless to say, Chelseas next foray into the market for a left-back fared a little better.