Middlesbroughs 2003 move for Gaizka Mendieta was something of a coup at the time, as Boro were able to land one of the previous decades most creative midfielders, a player who was the fulcrum of Valencias turn-of-the century successes under manager Rafael Benitez.
The playmaker arrived at the Riverside Stadium initially on loan, helping the club win their first-ever major trophy when they beat Bolton Wanderers in the final of the 2004 League Cup before signing permanently and being a key player in their run to the UEFA Cup final two years later.
Mendieta on his Boro spell turning sour
He had one year left on his contract as a player, I had two, Mendieta recalls to FourFourTwo when asked about his relationship with the future England boss. One summer he called to say hed been offered the managers job.
I congratulated him and said hed have the dressing rooms support. But once the season began, he stopped counting on me and never explained it he only gave me excuses.
At one point I told him I thought he wasnt being honest, and that I deserved honesty. If not, there was no point in me staying.
So why did the 40-time Spain international believe that his manager was not being honest?
I think it was down to inexperience, he continues. And it wasnt just with me it happened with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Juninho and Massimo Maccarone too.
We realised the club wanted to refresh the squad. That wouldve been fine, but Id have preferred if theyd just told me straight. What I didnt like was being told I was part of the plans, then constantly left on the bench or in the stands.
I remember there was a Basque Country friendly I wanted to play in, but Gareth asked me to stay because he wanted me to start, then he subbed me at half-time with no explanation.
At the end of the season, I retired. Years later we crossed paths and he admitted he perhaps hadnt handled it the best way. I hold no grudges.
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