In the latest list for your delight, we talk about the Top 6 legends who should’ve stayed as ‘One Club Players’ but couldn’t do it.
The ‘One Club Player’ concept is a luxury only a few legends can have throughout their careers, one that’s pretty much dead these days. Long gone are the days in which ballers like Carles Puyol, Ryan Giggs, Francesco Totti or Paolo Maldinifinished a brilliant career with the club they loved. With Leo Messi leaving FC Barcelona, it’s time to talk about the Top 6 footballers who should’ve remained with one club but couldn’t do it for some reason. Since all of these players are legends to their clubs, we don’t rate them from least to most important.
6.- Raul Gonzalez Blanco – Real Madrid
When he started his career for Los Blancos, the entire world saw one of Real Madrid’s biggest stars prevail in his career with the club. But when Cristiano Ronaldo arrived, Florentino Perez decided to kick a true legend out of the club as a veteran. Raul went on to prove he was still world-class with a brilliant spell at Schalke 04. He even reached the Champions League semifinals with the German club.
5.- Xavi Hernandez – FC Barcelona
The first of three absolute pillars of the most important FC Barcelona generation that ever was. Xavi Hernandez felt the need to play abroad as a personal decision. Given that the in-turn board of directors didn’t meet his demands, Xavi decided to play in Qatar. He retired far away from Camp Nou but his last year was legendary after winning the treble. Today, he fights to return as the club’s manager someday.
4.- Iker Casillas – Real Madrid
Iker Casillas fell from grace with an important sector of Real Madrid fans after getting accused of leaking sensitive information to the media. After a brilliant career with Los Blancos, Casillas left with tears in his eyes and completely antagonized the fans. He continued his career at FC Porto, where he retired soon after.
3.- Andres Iniesta – FC Barcelona
Another case similar to Xavi, Iniesta decided to call it quits at FC Barcelona after an incredible run. He decided to pursue an adventure in Japan for Vissel Kobe, where he still plays today. But make no mistake, all FC Barcelona supporters wish he would’ve retired with the Blaugrana jersey.
2.- Stephen Gerrard – Liverpool FC
As one of Liverpool’s greatest legends, Stevie felt the need to retire properly with a well-deserved wage. However, his love for the Reds forced him to play away from European competitions. LA Galaxy in the MLS was the perfect destination for Gerrard during the final years of his career. Today, he is breaking records in the Scottish Premier League as Rangers’ manager. Someday, he will likely make his triumphant return to Liverpool as the head coach.
1.- Lionel Messi – FC Barcelona
This has to be the most dramatic exit from club football history, it just took place weeks ago. Every single FC Barcelona supporter believed Leo Messi needed to finish his career at his beloved club. But the institution’s financial troubles were enough for them to drop their biggest stars. PSG was there to pick up the spoils. We are only days away from looking at Leo Messi playing an official match with one of FC Barcelona’s direct competitors in the Champions League.
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