Chelsea capture Del Horno
Tuesday, 21 June 2005
English champions Chelsea FC have completed their first signing of the summer with the arrival of Spanish international defender Asier Del Horno from Athletic Club Bilbao for €12m.
'Outstanding player'
The 24-year-old left-back has signed a three-year deal with the UEFA Champions League group stage entrants, having been with Athletic since the age of eleven. Chelsea manager José Mourinho said: "Asier is an outstanding international player who will add quality to the squad in a position we needed to strengthen. I'm sure he will be a key player as Chelsea continue with their goal to achieve greater success both in England and in the Champions League."
Squad strengthening
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon added: "José identified his target to fill the left-back position and we’re delighted that Asier has chosen to come to Chelsea. The arrival of Asier signifies Chelsea's desire to strengthen the squad in key positions following a hugely successful season and we all look forward to seeing Asier in the blue of Chelsea in July."
This is one player I was hoping we could sign. Excellent young player and would had definetly improved our back four, obiviously the LB position as he's a left-back.
However now that Del Horno has gone to Chelsea that leaves Wayne Bridge available......
