10 of the biggest wastes of talent in football

#3 Ricardo Quaresma

Quaresma failed to reach great heights in his career

While a youthful Cristiano Ronaldo was making a name for himself at Manchester United, there was another incredibly talented Portuguese player who had made the jump from Sporting Lisbon to Barcelona. Complete with an array of dazzling skills, including the rabona and a trademark trivela in his repetoire, a 18-year-old Quaresma had the world at his feet.

However, lackluster performances coupled with a spat with manager Frank Rijkaard meant that Quaresma handed in a transfer request and returned to Portugal, this time with FC Porto.

Despite some sterling performances, the streak of selfishness in Quaresma’s play hindered his career, with teammates often being critical on the pitch.

The streak continued when he signed for Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan, displeasing the former Chelsea boss, who said:

“He is a great talent, but the joy I have at seeing the way Ibrahimovic works for and with the team I do not yet have with Quaresma. He will have to learn, otherwise he won’t play.”

He was voted the worst player in Serie A in 2008, also known as the Bibone d’Oro award.

Quaresma began a journeyman career across Europe, playing for Chelsea and Al Ahli before finally ending up in the Turkish Super Lig at Besiktas. He currently plays for Vitoria S.C.

It has been a lacklustre run for someone once considered the heir to Luis Figo.