10 most controversial transfers of all time

BARCELONA - NOVEMBER 23:  Luis Figo of Real Madrid is booked during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid played at the Nou Camp Stadium, Barcelona, Spain on November 23, 2002. (Photo by Firo Foto/Getty Images)
Luis Figo did the unthinkable when he joined Real Madrid from FC Barcelona

#6 Ashley Cole - Arsenal to Chelsea (2006)

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 29:  Bacary Sagna of Arsenal challenges Ashley Cole of Chelsea during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2009 in London, England.  (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Ashley Cole faced the wrath of Arsenal fans after signing for the Blues

Ashley Cole has been at the centre of controversy for various reasons in his spell in the Premier League. He earned the title of - 'Cashley' from the Arsenal fans, thanks to his money-minded move to Chelsea.

A product of the Arsenal academy, Cole was a thorough Arsenal man who spent six seasons at his boyhood club. A season before he made a move to the other part of London, Cole had a secret meeting with Chelsea officials for which he was fined £100,000 by the FA.

Later, the Englishman signed a one-year extension with the Gunners but his wage demands forced Arsenal to sell him on a deadline day deal to Chelsea in 2006. Cole wanted £60,000 per week but Arsenal were ready to pay only £55,000. Chelsea swooped in with a £90,000 per week offer and lured the full-back to Stamford Bridge.

Cole later revealed that he felt like Arsenal were "feeding him to the sharks" as he was frustrated with the Gunners' resistance in offering him an improved deal. Till date, Arsenal fans hold a grudge against a player who once was one of their own.


#5 Roberto Baggio - Fiorentina to Juventus (1990)

Baggio moved to Juventus for a then world-record fee

Fiorentina's best player of all-time, Roberto Baggio was adored by the club's fans.

But later all that would change as he and the fans were in for a major shock when Fiorentina announced that Baggio was sold to Juventus for £8 million in the summer of 1990. The player claimed that he was compelled to accept the offer which further infuriated the fans to a great length. His transfer's impact was such that riots were held on the streets of Florence which left many injured.

When Juventus met Fiorentina the following season, Baggio refused to take a spot kick and was straight away substituted. As he was going out, he kissed a Fiorentina scarf to declare his love for his former club. He said at that time, "Deep in my heart, I am always purple." This was one of the most talked about transfer incident in the history of Italian football.

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