There are times where a football player has stayed at the same club for so many seasons but their continuation at the club is questioned. Here is this list of few football legends who couldn’t continue at their beloved clubs.
5) Andrea pirlo
Italian defensive midfielder, Extremely talented. The reason for his departure, as Pirlo, mentioned in his book:
” They were only offering 1 year extension to players over 30 years old. “
Pirlo in his book “Penso quindi Gioco”
Despite having a huge impact on the team, Pirlo’s performance wasn’t enough to convince AC Milan directors. Pirlo then joined Juventus where he was offered a 3-year contract. At Juve, Pirlo won best player for 3 consecutive years.
4) Iker Casillas
Real Madrid Legend, who had to leave his beloved club where he arrived when he was only 9 years old. Casillas stayed in Madrid for 25 years. His coach, Jose Mourinho, sidelined him and his leadership was questioned by club officials. Casillas was forced out by Florentino Perez, who was serving as the club president. The Club’s aim was to sign a younger goalkeeper who could establish himself for the long term. Casillas then joined Porto to finish his career.
3) Luis Suarez
Striker who is known as El pistolero, Luis Suarez who played nearly 300 games for blaugrana with unbelievable stats. The Uruguayan striker was asking for 4 years of extension when he was 34 years old.
” Koeman called me and told me that he wasn’t counting on me anymore. I disregarded the way they acted.”
Suarez on how he felt leaving the club
Suarez was heartbroken and he said publically how he felt. Then Suarez went on to join Atletico Madrid, where he won a league title.
2) Sergio Ramos
Real Madrid captain since 2015, was also pushed out the door where he played for 16 seasons. Centreback was offered a one-year contract with a salary cut. Money was not the problem for him, it was the length of the contract. They offered him one and he wanted two. Said Ramos in a press conference. The president did not want to risk extending 34 years old. Ramos joined PSG for two seasons and £25m annual salary.
1) Leonel Messi
This transfer left the world in shock. The news travelled like fire as soon as club announced the discontinuation of the Great Leo Messi. 778 games, 672 goals, 300 assists and 35 trophies. It all happened at FCB and he still couldn’t continue. Laliga’s rules on the club’s payroll put an end to the megastar’s contract. Leo Messi is currently playing at PSG with his old pal Neymar Jr.
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