10 World Class Players Who Refused to Train to Force a Transfer

#10 Ronaldo Nazario: Inter Milan to Real Madrid

Ronaldo was looking for a move to Real Madrid

There was a reason why Ronaldo Nazario was known as O Fenômeno (The Phenomenon) and his years at Inter Milan was when he established himself as the premier striker in Europe at the time.

Ronaldo was certainly a force to reckon with. His first season at Inter saw him score 34 goals but recurring injuries - especially to his knees - saw his devastating form take a hit.

Things weren't all rosy with his last manager at Inter either. Ronaldo claimed he risked his career for Hector Cuper and that was when things started turning sour, especially when they narrowly lost out on the Serie A title on the final day of the 2001/02 season.

"He didn't play me when I was fit, and he made me train or kept me on the pitch when I wasn't. At times he didn't even follow the advice of the doctors." - Ronaldo

The Nerazzurri needed a win but fell to a 4-2 defeat to Lazio and finished third. That was the last straw and a terrific World Cup where Ronaldo won the title and the Golden Boot with Brazil saw Real Madrid knocking on his door.

Ronaldo sealed a switch to Real Madrid in 2002

Ronaldo refused to train with Inter after a breakdown in relations with Cuper and Inter president Massimo Moratti eventually allowed him to leave for €46m.