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Of Transferees and Traitors

Comment: 0 January 19th, 2012

Usually, a transfer involves nothing more than an exchange of players, usually for tactical reasons. However there are some that draw the ire of loyal supporters wounded by what they consider to be nothing less than treachery.

When marquee players decide it’s time to move on, it is often met with reactions filled with fury, wonderment, confusion and downright hatred.

Below are a handful of what the footballing world will forever consider as the most unforgivable transfers in the sport’s history.

4. David Beckham (Manchester United to Real Madrid, 2003)

Everyone who loves football watched in disbelief as Manchester United captain David Beckham signed a deal with Real Madrid.

Winning six Premier League titles with Manchester United, people always thought that superstar David Beckham was expected to be a permanent fixture in the club. He had been open about his loyalty to the club and its players.

He was also an integral part of England’s national team and even took the role of captain for the squad.

Simply put, Becks was the face of what English football stood for.

Although he was experiencing all his successes with the club, his falling out with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was becoming increasingly apparent. In the 2002-2003 season, the tension reached its tipping point.

Despite the season ending with the Red Devils lifting the Premier League trophy it would also be Beckham and Ferguson’s last season together.

To push things to the edge, in United’s FA Cup defeat against Arsenal, Ferguson kicked a boot that directly found Beckham’s head. It opened up a gash on the skipper’s left eyebrow and needed stitches to be closed up.

Though they were quick to deny that there was any rift between them, it only needed the summer transfer window to effectively end their feud.

Four months after the incident, the superstar was sold to the Spanish giants for £24.5 million.

Beckham’s tenure in Real Madrid saw him win the League title once (2006-2007) and the Spanish Super Cup in 2003.

On the other hand, United’s first league title after Beckham’s departure was in the 2006-2007 season.

To this day, Ferguson still claims he does not regret making the move to sell the skipper.

3. Roberto Baggio (Fiorentina to Juventus, 1990)

Roberto Baggio, was an Italian football player and widely regarded as one of the best of all time. He had the moniker Il Divin Codino (The Divine Ponytail) because of his trademark hairstyle and his religious belief.

He was known for his fluid movement, beautiful touches and spectacular finishes in front of goal.

During his time with Serie A team Fiorentina, his popularity has reached cult status.

In the five years he spent with them, he appeared 94 times and netted 39 goals.

To say he was adored by the fans is a complete understatement.

That’s why when the Fiorentina agreed to sell Baggio to Juventus for £8 million, the fan support quickly turned to outright rage.

After the striker’s transfer, full-scale riots broke out on the streets of Florence, causing an estimated 50 casualties.

As a reply, Baggio claimed that he was “compelled to accept the transfer.” And as a show of respect for Fiorentina, he refused to take a penalty kick against them in 1990. When he was substituted out of the game, he picked up a Fiorentina scarf a fan threw at him and kissed the crest.

2. Luis Figo (Barcelona to Real Madrid, 2000)

Portuguese legend Luis Figo was regarded as a very consistent player. He was a threat in the midfield because he was able generate a good shot, he was quick on his feet and he had the physicality to match strong defenders when his team attacked.

In the 1995-1996 season, he played his first games with Spanish powerhouse Barcelona.

Throughout the five seasons at Camp Nou, Figo appeared 172 times and scored 30 goals. He was adored by the Catalan fans, and he helped Barca win two La Liga titles.

Figo’s significance as part of what arguably was football’s biggest team, fans expected that things were going to stay the same. They had Figo happy and winning silverware – there was no reason to change anything.

Little did they know that their fierce rivals Real Madrid had enough to lure Figo to join their side. They offered the skipper £37 million – a transfer fee record at the time.

The betrayal that Barcelona fans felt made Figo a wanted man.

When Figo returned to Camp Nou three months after the transfer, Barcelona fans were quick to remind him that they had not forgotten what happened, and were not ready to easily forgive. Fans brandished signs that expressed what they thought of the midfielder.  Figo: Te Van a calentar la oreja (“Figo, they’re going to make your ears burn”) was a popular one.

According to referee reports, whenever the Portuguese went to take a corner, fans threw various objects in rage – mobile phones, half bricks, bicycle chains and coins. Even a pig’s head was was hurled onto the pitch, suggesting how a hero had been converted into something similar to a lowly criminal.

Though he still managed success with Madrid, Luis Figo is remembered by many people as one of the traitors in football.

1. Sol Campbell (Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal, 2001)

Sol Campell is known as the heart of England’s defence during his stint in the international team. He was a centre back who used his stocky frame and fast speed to blitz attackers, stopping them from creating chances to score.

When he made his debut in Tottenham in 1992, much was expected from him. He did not disappoint, even scoring a goal against Chelsea. He slowly made his presence known at White Hart Lane as well as around the league.

Campbell was loved by everyone but his desires to play in the Champions League weren’t being fulfilled at Tottenham.

When his contract expired in 2001, he made people believe that he wasn’t going anywhere. After being given offers from top teams, Campbell signed with Arsenal – Spurs’ bitter rivals.

The worst part was since Campbell had no contract, he was acquired by Arsenal without spending a single pound.

Though he was labeled as “Judas”, Campbell found immediate success with the Gunners. He won the Premier League and FA Cup in the 2001-2002 season.

He was also named as one of the 50 best players for Arsenal in 2008.

Aside from being known as a defensive specialist, he is to this day widely considered football’s biggest traitor.

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