DJ Gaizka Mendieta
Nonchalant, cool, with no emotions during the game… Yes, that’s Gaizka Mendieta, sixth-most expensive player of all time (48 million euros).
Well, five years after hanging up his boots and settling down with his family in Yarm, a town just outside Middlesborough, England where he ended his career, Mendieta (38) now has his sights set on making music as the part-time nightclub DJ.
Mendieta played his first gig in London this year in January.
“I play rock and soul music of the ’60s and ’70s – Flamin ‘Groovies, Motown, Iggy Pop, Aretha Franklin, New York Dolls. Music enough to fly the 3 hours of our show. Puting discs is easier than taking a penalty.“ – said Mendieta.
Gaizka Mendieta Zabala was born 27 March 1974. With good offensive and tackling skills, also being capable of creating goals for teammates and himself, he played mainly for Valencia (1993–2001), and finished his career at Middlesbrough of England (2004-2008).
In meantime he was a member of Lazio, but after a season 2001-2002 the Italians send him to Barcelona on loan (one season) and finally to Middlesbrough.
Mendieta played 40 times with the Spanish national team, appearing with it in one World Cup (2002) and one time in European Championship (2000).
He won four trophies: UEFA Intertoto Cup 2008, Spanish Cup 1999 and Spanish Supercup 1999 with Valencia and English League Cup with Middlesbrough in 2004.
He was announced as best middfielder in UEFA Champions League twice (2000, 2001) playing for Valencia.
If he becomes successful as a DJ like he was even half successful as a football player, he will make incredible carrer in European night clubs.
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