Top 5 british players to play abroad
Top 5 british players to play abroad
As the January transfer window closes and we see more foreign exports come into the Premier league, you have to ask, why do more Brits not go abroad? Stephen Fletcher of Sunderland was the only man to take a trip across the pond, where he will now play his football in the Stade Velodrome, as he attempts to help Marseille finish in a Champions League spot. So who are the top players to have gone abroad?
As the January transfer window closes and we see more foreign exports come into the Premier league, you have to ask, why do more Brits not go abroad? Stephen Fletcher of Sunderland was the only man to take a trip across the pond, where he will now play his football in the Stade Velodrome, as he attempts to help Marseille finish in a Champions League spot. So who are the top players to have gone abroad?
Steve McManaman
With only a year left on his contract in 1999 McManaman had the choice between Liverpool and Read Madrid. After nine years with the reds which saw McManaman win the FA Cup and League Cup, the playmaker decided to broaden his horizons and start a new challenge in Spain. It ended up being the right decision as McManaman went on to be hugely successful, winning two La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions Leagues. The Englishmen was also given man of the match in the 2000 final against Valencia scoring an incredible volley and becoming a fan’s favourite due to his commitment and desire.
Gary Lineker
One of England’s most treasured assets. After eight years in English football scoring over 100 goals for Leicester and Everton, Lineker made the move to Catalonia. The move came off the back of an impressive World Cup in 1986 scoring six goals and winning the golden boot. The Match of The Day presenter had a solid time in Spain winning a European Cup Winner’s Cup and a Copa Del Rey title, scoring 52 goals in 137 appearances for the club. A hat-trick against Real Madrid in his debut season, and first El Clasico put him onto the path of success.
Kevin Keegan
Keegan moved to Germany at the peak of his powers having won the European cup and League with Liverpool. He also became the highest paid player in the division, which made it hard for the Englishman. After a controversial start punching a VfB Lubeck player to the ground, Keegan came into his own, helping Hamburg to their first Bundesliga title in 19 years. Finishing his debut season with 12 goals he also won the Ballon d’Or. Unfortunately, the forward could not add to his European success as Hamburg and were beaten by Nottingham Forest in the following year’s final.
David Beckham
Super star David Beckham had mixed fortunes away from England. The former Manchester United and England captain moved to Real Madrid in 2003 in the new era of ‘Galácticos.’ He won a La Liga title whilst in Spain, but Beckham had a tough time in Madrid, falling out of favour with then coach Fabio Capello before forcing his way back into the squad, to help Real win the title on the final day of the 2006/07 season. England’s Number seven then went onto LA Galaxy where he won two MLS cups, during which time he had two successful loan spells with AC Milan. Beckham finished his illustrious career with French giants PSG, donating his weekly salary to a children’s hospital and helping them claim their first Ligue 1 title in 19 years.
Paul Lambert
The defensive midfield made the move to Germany in 1996 and was thrown right into the Borussia Dortmund team. The scot had impressed manager Ottmar Hitzfield the season before in a UEFA Cup clash between his former team Motherwell and Dortmund. Lambert played in all but one of the German sides Champions League games and was heavily praised by midfield counter-part Roy Keane, when Dortmund met Manchester United at the semi-final stage. In the 1997 final Lambert was able to successfully nullify the mercurial talents of Zinedine Zidane and set up Karl-Heinz Riedle for Dortmund’s third to end the game 3-1.