Football is a game that requires team spirit and commitment from every player involved. However, some players have gone as far as refusing to train to force a transfer to another team. This can create a difficult situation for the managers as they try to maintain the integrity of their team while dealing with disgruntled players who want to leave. Here, we look at five high-profile footballers who have refused to train to force a transfer.
1. Dani Alves - Sevilla to Barcelona
The Brazilian fullback was keen to join a major club and was angered when Sevilla turned down three bids from Chelsea in the summer of 2007. This led to Alves refusing to play in the qualifiers for Sevilla and was eventually granted his wish to move to Barcelona, where he went on to become a key player in the team's success.
2. Riyad Mahrez - Leicester to Man City
Mahrez was thrilled when his £60 million transfer to Manchester City was finalized in July 2018. However, the Algerian winger had previously been dissatisfied with previous City deals that fell through during previous transfer windows. He even went as far as missing Premier League games, claiming that commitments to allow him to go had been breached.
3. Nicolas Anelka - Arsenal to Real Madrid
In the summer of 1999, Arsenal turned down a bid from Lazio for the French striker. This led to a heated argument between Anelka and the club's management, and he refused to leave his hotel in Martinique. The club eventually shipped Anelka to Real Madrid for £25 million, where he continued to clash with the management.
4. Dimitri Payet - West Ham to Marseille
Payet resorted to extreme measures after West Ham refused to approve his transfer to Marseille. After their 5-0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City in January 2017, Payet claimed he couldn't play for West Ham again due to a back injury. The French playmaker eventually got his wish, and West Ham agreed to a £25 million trade later in the January window.
5. Diego Costa - Chelsea to Atletico Madrid
Costa was informed via text message that he would not be returning to Chelsea for the 2017-18 season, despite having scored 20 goals in the previous season. The Spanish striker refused to train with the coach who had treated him poorly and went on to force a move back to Atletico Madrid.
In conclusion, refusing to train to force a transfer can create a difficult situation for both the player and the club. While some players have been successful in getting their wish, others have gone on to have strained relationships with their former clubs and managers. It is essential for players and clubs to maintain open communication and handle transfer requests professionally to avoid such situations.
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