Top 9 traitors in world football

Top 9 traitors in world football

William Gallas Chelsea to Arsenal

There is no doubt Gallas was one of the top defenders of his day but wipe his prestige at Chelsea by refusing to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge – claiming the club were not offering him enough money. That was bad enough but when the club said they would not sell him, he reportedly told them he would score own goals. He packed his bags and went to Arsenal He left the Emirates under a cloud and is now hated by both Chelsea and Arsenal fans.
Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal to Chelsea.

The Spanish midfielder was adored at Arsenal for his brilliance and for his apparent devotion to the Gunners.  Yet he went to Barcelona in 2011 saying he was missing native country. He systematically ruled out returning to the Premier League, saying Arsenal was the only British club for him. Yet in the summer of 2014, he went back on his word and signed for deadly rivals Chelsea. His eight years at Arsenal means little to fans now who heckle him at every opportunity.

Mario Gotze, Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich

Gotze came up through the ranks at Borussia Dortmund and was considered by fans as “one of their own”.  He had constantly said how much he loved the club and wanted to stay. Yet in the summer of 2013 he went back on his devotion and signed for outrageous opponent Bayern Munich, becoming the second most expensive player in German football. Although he won the Bundesliga twice with Bayern, there is a feeling the move was more about money than ambition.

Carlos Tevez, Manchester United to Manchester City

The Argentine was one of the most controversial strikers in his colourful time in the Premier League. Yet his mutation from Manchester United to rivals City in 2009 left many with a bitter feeling. He won the Premier League twice and Champions League while at United and fans did not forgive him for moving to the Etihad. He helped City to win the Premier League before leaving after a series of disputes with then boss Roberto Mancini. He is now hated by both sets of Manchester bigots.

Robin Van Persie, Arsenal to Manchester United

The Dutchman was worshipped at Arsenal after 8 years where he was seen as one of the clubs best ever players. Yet he grew frustrated at the club’s lack of success and wanted a move abroad. So when he ended up at deadly rivals Manchester United - and then helped them win the Premier League title – his love from the Gunners fan disappeared. He is regularly given abuse on his return to the north London club.

Emmanuel Adebayor, Arsenal to Tottenham

When Adebayor left Arsenal for Manchester City, there was an understanding he wanted a different challenge and the Gunners fans understood that.  Yet the Togolese striker blotted his copybook when he then scored for City against Arsenal and then celebrated wildly in front of his once adoring fans. That was bad enough but when he then turned up at White Hart Lane as a Spurs player, he became public enemy No1 at Arsenal.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan

The Swedish striker is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world – but loyalty is not one of his key attributes. He has a reputation for falling out with many fans for switching clubs and joining their rivals. After winning two Serie A titles at Juventus, he went to Inter Milan where he won another title before switching dressing rooms at the San Siro for deadly city rivals AC In 2010.

Sol Campbell, Tottenham to Arsenal

It was always widely known Campbell was going to leave Tottenham when he failed to negotiate a contract with them after months of wrangling. But when he switched to deadly rivals Arsenal he was branded “Judas” by many angry Spurs fans. The former England defender is still hated today at White Hart Lane for his apparent betrayal after the club made him the player he was.

Luis Figo, Barcelona to Real Madrid

The Portuguese midfielder was always regarded as one of most gifted players around. But he caused controversy when after five years at Barcelona he went to outrageous opponent Real Madrid in 2000. Whenever he returned to the Nou Camp he was the subject of obscenities and regularly had items scattered at him from the stands.  

Ashley Cole, Arsenal to Chelsea

Although Ashley Cole is regarded as one of the England’s best ever left backs, he still remains one of the most hated men in football – and not just because of his on the field antics where he regularly mocked opponents and had no regard for referees. He cheated on his wife Cheryl, one of the darlings of the male British public, while famously said he was so insulted by an offer of £50,000 a week from Arsenal he nearly crashed his car. So in a bid to orchestrate a move he held illegal talks with Chelsea ahead of joining them from Arsenal. He has been given a bad reception every time he returned to the Gunners.