5 of the warmest receptions received by footballers at their former club

Legends are one of the crucial facets why football clubs are loved all over the globe. They represent the basic values over which their clubs stand. Also, they command massive respect at the club for their peerless contribution.

Needless to say, legends are absolute sweethearts for the clubs they play in their glittering careers. So, it is an arduous task for the supporters to see their beloved players part ways with their favourite clubs. The respect clearly shows in their eyes, as their legend invades the pitch for one last time.

And, when a player leaves or retires, the grief cannot be written down in words. It feels terrible to think of the fact that he may never mesmerise them again. And it is the endless love of the supporters that totally oozes out when they see their star figure return, albeit in different colors.

The reception of these legends brings goosebumps, emanating bittersweet feelings. Let's have a look five such receptions some legends received on their home-coming.

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#5: Ricardo Kaka

Kaka returned to AC Milan earlier than expected

After Kaka's departure to Real Madrid in 2009, the fans were seen crying in the name of Silvio Berlusconi and begging him to bring the Brazilian back home. Kaka established himself as a phenomenon during his time with the Rossoneri. He was their beloved golden boy and one of the greatest players to ply his trade at the San Siro.

However, fate did bring Kaka and Milan together in 2010, when Real Madrid and the Rossoneri were drawn in the same group in Champions League 2009-10 season. The fans were seen cheering madly for their legend, albeit Kaka turned out in different colors.

Four years later, Director Adriano Gallaini granted the wish fans the bore in their hearts. Kaka returned to AC Milan from Real Madrid in 2013, much to the excitement of Milan supporters who welcomed him with widespread arms. Although he never returned as the player he had left, Kaka was received with endless love and respect at the San Siro.

#4: Didier Drogba

Chelsea fans gave Didier Drogba a well-deserved welcome on his return with Galatasaray

Their Legend. Their King. Their Saviour.

That's how you describe the mercurial Didier Drogba and his exceptional contributions to Londoners Chelsea. No Chelsea fans can thank the Ivorian enough for his two Champions League goals in the final versus Bayern Munich.

Drogba departed shortly after Chelsea's historic win, to play with Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua. However, it didn't take long enough for the prodigal striker to return to the turf where he became a legend.

Chelsea faced Galatasaray in the following year and the Stamford Bridge awaited eagerly for Drogba's return. Needless to say, the Ivorian forward received a well-deserved hero's welcome at the Bridge, with great emotion and excitement flooding throughout the game.

Later in 2014, Drogba gave another chance for the Chelsea supporters to be happy. He returned to his former club on a free transfer. Quite a lucky chap he is, for celebrating two happy welcomes!

#3: Thierry Henry

Henry graced the Emirates in 2012 once again in the Gunners shirt

During his time in England, Thierry Henry rightly earned his title as the 'The King'. The spearhead of the famous Invincibles era, King Henry is one of the greatest players ever to grace a football pitch.

Five years after his departure from the Emirates, the genius Frenchman returned to England in 2012, as Arsenal fans received their King with smiles and open arms. The whole of Emirates was filled with utter joy as the fans witnessed their King gracing the pitch in an Arsenal shirt for the second times.

Henry gifted innumerable memories to the Emirates during his legendary stint with the Gunners. Needless to say, the Frenchman did mark his return with another goal against Leeds United for Arsenal. Perfect homecoming!

#2: Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho is regarded as the reason for Barcelona's stature as one of the greatest clubs in the world

Ask any football fan about where Leo Messi learned his trade, and Ronaldinho would be the obvious answer. He is a vast institution when it comes to learning various aspects of the game.

Ronaldinho is regarded as the person who upheld the Blaugrana in their dark times. He is the undisputed reason why Barcelona stand today as one of the greatest football clubs around the globe.

As much as it was sad to see him depart, the Barcelona fans showed equal enthusiasm on his return with AC Milan in 2010. Not only the Barca supporters, it was as if the whole football world celebrated the king's return to his empire. Ronaldinho still wears the blue and burgundy shirt in charity fixtures for Barcelona. A wide uproar and applause were enough to tell about the respect Ronaldinho commands at the Nou Camp.

They say nothing is impossible. But ask any person to hate Ronaldinho and you will know how wrong the dictum is!

#1: Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo had a warm reception on his homecoming to Old Trafford

When Ronaldo graced the pitch at Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams erupted with a sound enough to be measured on a Richter scale. Fans were reduced to tears as they saw their former prince line up against them on the Champions League night in 2013.

The gloom in Ronaldo's eyes was clearly visible while he found hard to look at the stadium and the fans cheering him. The lump in his throat showed how much he desired to break down. That had to happen after so many fans remembered the happy old times with Ronaldo gliding down the wings in the famous red shirt.

Ronaldo's beautiful love story with Manchester United has gained an immortal status in football folklore. Whenever the transfer window arrives, Ronaldo is always found flirting with his beloved club over a move back to England. Even today, every United fan in the darkest corner of his heart dreams of the legend's long-awaited homecoming.

And make no mistake, Ronaldo would be welcomed with equal vigour and zeal even if he returns at 40 years of age.