Gaizka Mendieta: Boro legend (Video)

Gaizka Mendieta had, by all accounts, a pretty interesting career.

He started in Spain with Valencia at the age of just 18 and established himself as a club legend by making over 250 appearances for the Che and helping them reach consecutive Champions League finals in 2000 and 2001 (losing both to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively).

Mendieta was named Europe's Best Midfielder during these successful seasons for Valencia but he became a free agent following the 2001 season and was one of the most sought after players in Europe, eventually signing with Lazio for a eye watering 48m Euros.

The Spaniard's time in Italy was forgetful and he was loaned out to Barcelona and then, remarkably enough, Middlesbrough where he helped the Teessiders secure their first ever silverware; the Football League Cup.

He signed with Boro on a permanent deal and stayed there for four seasons before retiring in 2008.

Mendieta certainly had an eye for the spectacular, too, and as you'll be able to see here scored a number of sumptuous goals throughout his career. A skilful player with a vicious shot there was a certain Spanish flair about Mendieta's play.

The best of the bunch? The crunching volley from a corner against Barcelona.

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