Born in Bilbao, the Basque region of Spain unlike all the talented Basque boys, he didn't start his career with the local Club Athletic Bilbao. He instead made his professional debut at 17, for CD Castellan in Segunda division. He earned a move to Valencia B and made his debut in 1993.
Later Mendieta was promoted for his terrific performance and he spent almost 9 years with the club as he earned a big money £30m move to Italian Capital club Lazio.
As Mendieta made his move to Italy in summer of 2001, the money was on him confirming his status as the finest Spanish talent since Michel.
But it turned out to be a big big error of judgment from the Italian club. Mendieta who was the star of the show for Valencia last season failed miserably. He hardly had any impact on Series A.
To add to all that a fall out with coach Alberto Zaccheroni who replaced the man who brought him to Lazio.
A disheartened Mendieta then said, - "I knew it was going to be difficult in Italy but to be honest I didn't think things would work out this way".
Mendieta's first year in Italy was shocking.
As he was loaned to FC Barcelona, where he failed to make any impact as well. Later a loan to Middlesbrough was made and after a year a permanent move.
Mendieta retired in 2008 as a Middlesbrough player.
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