In a nightclub on the Mediterranean coast, a man wearing a hat to disguise his identity slips into the DJ stand and takes control of the decks, where he plays his records until sunrise. Earlier that evening — in front of many of the same folk on the dance floor — that very same DJ had dictated a different kind of rhythm... a football match in front of 55,000 fans at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium. Only now has Gaizka Mendieta revealed his secret in an interview which explores the football career he very nearly abandoned. Gaizka Mendieta reflects on a playing career that has taken him from Spain to Italy and England
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Gaizka Mendieta played for clubs including Valencia, Lazio, Barcelona and Midlesbrough during an impressive playing career
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The former Spain international reveals he used to secretly DJ after games
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Mendieta admits he almost chose a sporting career in athletics over football
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The Sky pundit succeeded through practice as opposed to natural talent
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Steve McLaren convinced the midfielder to come to the Premier League
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Mendieta has backed Louis van Gaal to come good at Manchester United
Mendieta became one of the world's most expensive players when he signed for @placeholder in 2001