Every player has their own love for the club they defend. Those who have their loyalty want to always give their best and perform with all the greatest abilities. But sometimes the commitment and love of these players could be hurt by their own club.
As we talk about, these following players are those who were forced to leave by their own club.
- Angel Di Maria
Scoring 7 goals and 22 assists in the 2013/14 season, Di Maria managed to deliver Real Madrid to win the Champions League trophy. But all the neat appearance seemed to be worthless after el Real brought James Rodriguez from AS Monaco. Di Maria, who was asked by the club to leave immediately, felt devastated. He confessed that he was crying and did not expect the treatment of Real Madrid at that time.
Furthermore, the Argentinean expressed his disappointment as he felt abandoned and thought that if the management no longer wanted his existence. Besides the arrival of a new star who could threaten his position, di Maria revealed another reason why the club sold him. According to this 31-year-old man, Los Blancos intentionally sold him to cover Real Madrid’s huge spending on the transfer market. He was later sold to Old Trafford at a high price before finally anchored at Paris Saint Germain.
2. Jaap Stam
Having played for a club as big as MU, Stam is arguably one of the best defenders owned by the Red Devils. However, the situation at that time did not allow Dutchmen to survive. He moved to Lazio in 2001 despite contributing to the treble winner and won the UEFA Best Defender award twice.
His lack of harmony with Sir Alex Ferguson triggered Stam’s departure from Old Trafford. After officially landing in Italy, Stam added his title collection by winning the Coppa Italia with Lazio and the Italian Super Cup with AC Milan.
3. Andy Carroll
Successfully scoring 19 goals in 42 appearances for Newcastle, Andy Carroll became the spotlight. With his brilliant performances, Carroll managed to bring Newcastle back to the Premier League competition. Following his extraordinary performance, he was ogled by the Liverpool giants.
But after officially joining Liverpool, Carroll admitted that he did not want to get out of the club called The Magpies. Carroll claimed that the management no longer wanted him. The club’s director, Derek Llambias, was assumed to be tempted by the big offer from the Reds. That was why the player was then forced to accept the offer.
4. Joe Hart
Guardiola’s arrival became a nightmare for Joe Hart. The goalkeeper, known for his deftness, had to be transferred after the presence of the Spanish coach in the city of Manchester. Being the mainstay of The Citizens for several seasons, Hart must be a victim of the former FC Barcelona coach’s evolution. Even during the interview, Hart admitted if Guardiola considered him worthless and had no future at the club.
Although it was hard to accept, Hart still praised Pep’s honesty. The England goalkeeper said that he had accepted Pep’s decision and did not forget to thank him for his decision.
After leaving Etihad, Hart began an adventure in Torino before finally joining West Ham and trying his luck at Burnley.
5. Yaya Toure
Besides Joe Hart, Yaya Toure was also a victim of Pep Guardiola’s presence in Manchester City. Similarly while still in Barcelona uniforms, both Toure and Guardiola did not get along well. Toure thought that Pep held a grudge against him. Despite contributing to several prestigious titles, Toure was not included in the Spanish coach’s plan.
This fact is further strengthened by the fact that Guardiola did not give maximum playing time, although the Ivory Coast player claimed he still wanted a career in the Queen Elizabeth State competition.
6. Claude Makelele
Claude Makelele might be the player who was regretted the most to leave Real Madrid. Performing nicely in the midfield of Los Blancos, Makelele had to be eliminated due to the decision of president Florentino Perez. Perez said that Makelele was not the type of star player needed by Madrid. But rumors said that Perez kicked the midfielder out for he was known to dislike black players.
After leaving Madrid, Makelele became the beginning of Chelsea’s success revolution under the direction of Jose Mourinho. He performed nicely in the midfield and successfully donated two Premier League titles.
7. Iker Casillas
Another el Real legend who was also ‘forced’ to leave the club was Iker Casillas. The goalkeeper, who had an outstanding stint with Los Galacticos, was allegedly forced out by the club despite having contributed greatly to helping Real Madrid win the Champions League.
Even his family, who were also hurt by the decision, considered Real Madrid had been torturing Casillas during his final season.
It apparently known that Casillas was forced to leave because of the influence of Jose Mourinho, who did not like the goalkeeper. When leaving the club in 2015, Casillas only held a simple press conference to say goodbye, while shedding in tears.
