Crespo started his footballing career in his native Argentina, at River Plate. In 1996, he moved to Europe, and enjoyed a lengthy spell in Italy, playing for Parma, Lazio and Inter. In 2003, he signed for Chelsea, helping them finish second in the Premier League. The following season, he went to Milan on loan, before returning to London and winning the Premier League under Jose Mourinho in 2006. Crespo then returned to Italy, where he won three Serie A titles with Inter, between 2007 and 2009.