Since Peter Odemwingie’s deadline day antics last week, we at Tibs News look at ten other footballers who have demanded transfers or pulled out all the stops for an improved contract, eventually resulting in their exit.
10. Fernando Torres, Liverpool, 2011
Having demanded a transfer request a week before the deadline saw the Liverpool legend turn from hero to zero.
Ironically, earlier that season, Torres said: “My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed.”
A few months later, Chelsea come calling and the Spaniard couldn’t run out the Anfield door any quicker.
An incredible £50million later and the deal was complete, sending Torres to London still justifying his ludicrous price tag.
9. Dimitar Berbatov, Tottenham, 2008
Interest from Manchester United was hard to ignore for Dimitar Berbatov in the summer of 2008.
But telling boss Martin Jol that his ‘head wasn’t right’ before a game at Sunderland and refusing to play put the nail in the head for Spurs fans. With Berbatov’s head already in Manchester it seemed the move would be certain.
On deadline day, rumours speculated that Berbatov was on his way to Manchester City, but a few hours before the deadline, the Bulgarian star was shaking hands with David Gill and Sir Alex Ferguson.
8. Clint Dempsey, Fulham, 2012
Straight from the Berbatov textbook of jostling is American forward Clint Dempsey.
Dempsey is a place infront of his mentor due to the fact that he didn’t even end up at the team he was hoping for.
Dempsey refused to play for Fulham and eventually told team mates that he was heading north to play for Liverpool.
Come the end of the window, Dempsey did move… over the road to Tottenham.
7. Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal, 2010
Despite Cesc Fabregas trying to be professional in this situation, he obviously had a desire to return to his boyhood club, Barcelona.
Not admitting his wish to return home, his problem wasn’t helped by his mates pushing for him, as a large number of the Catalan club spoke openly about wanting Cescs’ return.
He was even stitched up by his Spanish team mates as Barcelona skipper Carles Puyol attempted to put a Barcelona shirt on him during World Cup 2010 celebrations.
Fabregas eventually moved back to Barca in a £30million move.
6. William Gallas, Chelsea, 2006
As part of the Ashley Cole deal that bought him to Chelsea, William Gallas also wanted out of Chelsea saying they lacked class.
After the transfer, Chelsea issued a statement that Gallas threatened to deliberately score own goals if he was not allowed to leave Chelsea.
A statement which was obviously denied by Gallas himself and ever since Gallas and Chelsea have met, it’s been met with the occasional jeer from those in the stands.
5. Wayne Rooney, Manchester United, 2010
The England star describes it as his biggest mistake yet – but it was probably his most beneficial one too.
In October 2010 the England striker stated he wanted to leave the Old Trafford club with differences over the direction the club was going in.
“I met with David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the reassurances I was seeking about the future squad. I then told him I would not be signing a new contract.”
Alas, 48 hours he had a new five year deal worth a reported £65 million.
As we say, a mistake which has ended very beneficially.
4. Jermain Defoe, West Ham United, 2004
Less than 24 hours after West Ham were relegated, Defoe made a written request for a transfer. At first the club rejected and Defoe admitted the request was a mistake.
A few months later, a contract was rejected and disciplinary problems including three red cards showed Defoe’s desire to leave Upton Park.
In the January transfer window, Defoe’s yearning led to a move to Tottenham, a move which has not made him the favourite ex-hammer around.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, 2008
The Portuguese star made no secret of his wish to join Real Madrid in 2008.
His only problem being that Manchester United refused to sell him which then created a small amount of tension between the pair. It got to the stage where even FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, left his mark, saying Ronaldo’s situation was that of a ‘slave’.
After months of transfer speculation, Sir Alex Ferguson insisted he would never do business with “that mob” and he “wouldn’t sell them a virus”.
12 months later, Ronaldo got his move and United got a world record transfer fee of £80million
2. Ashley Cole, Arsenal, 2006
A move that Arsenal fans never seem to have forgotten. Cashley, known to Arsenal fans wrote in his autobiography that the Arsenal board made him feel a scapegoat and was unfairly treated after Chelsea had allegedly tapped him up.
The player was left out of the Arsenal team photo emphasising that Cole would be on his way out of the North London side.
A contract was also rejected after Arsenal had offered Cole over £40grand a week than Chelsea, hence the name Cashley.
1. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City, 2010-2012
Manchester’s darling, Carlos Tevez has been a pain in the backside for the Chairmen of both Manchester clubs since he left West Ham United in 2007.
Although Tevez may still be a City player, Tevez sure has left his mark on the club.
In December 2010, he handed in a transfer request while negotiating a new deal, before eventually agreeing to stay on 12 days later.
Then in September 2012, the Argentine fell out with Robero Mancini during a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich and did not play for City for six months as he went AWOL in Argentina.
With a summer clear-out apparently on the cards at City at the end of this season, it will be interesting to see if Tevez joins the list.
