Chelsea last night completed the signing of Spanish international defender Asier del Horno from Athletic Club Bilbao for a fee of 12 million Euros (approximately £8 million).
Del Horno joins Chelsea on a 3-year deal from 1st July 2005.
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 continues with its goal to achieve greater success both in England and in the Champions League."
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.”
The 24-year-old has 7 senior international caps in total and represented Spain at youth level from the age of 17. Del Horno had been at Athletic Bilbao since the age of 11.
He signed the deal at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening and will be formally introduced when he joins up with the Chelsea squad when pre-season training begins from July 6th
Del Horno joins Chelsea on a 3-year deal from 1st July 2005.
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 continues with its goal to achieve greater success both in England and in the Champions League."
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.”
The 24-year-old has 7 senior international caps in total and represented Spain at youth level from the age of 17. Del Horno had been at Athletic Bilbao since the age of 11.
He signed the deal at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening and will be formally introduced when he joins up with the Chelsea squad when pre-season training begins from July 6th
