10 Facts About Salva Ballesta

Salva Ballesta amassed totals of 235 games and 86 goals over 11 La Liga seasons, adding 126 matches and 52 goals in Segunda Division.

Salva Ballesta then moved to Segunda Division with Atletico Madrid and proceeded to lead the side with 21 goals, although the Colchoneros did not return to the top flight.

Salva Ballesta joined Valencia in summer 2001, netting five goals to help the club become league champions after a 31-year drought.

Salva Ballesta was rarely used the following season, and was briefly part of the Bolton Wanderers squad that avoided Premier League relegation in 2003.

In late January 2007, Salva Ballesta joined top-tier strugglers Levante on loan from Malaga, now in the second division.

Shortly after retiring, Salva Ballesta re-joined former team Malaga as a youth coach, alongside former teammate Francesc Arnau.

Salva Ballesta left two years later, as his contract was not renewed.

Salva Ballesta continued working in the lower leagues the following seasons, with Real Jaen, Mostoles, Algeciras, UCAM Murcia and San Fernando.

Salva Ballesta was a patron of his hometown's military helicopter school.

In February 2013, Salva Ballesta learnt that he was being turned down for the assistant coach job at Celta de Vigo over his political views.