5 former players who played for both Liverpool and Manchester City

Liverpool play Manchester City on Sunday at Anfield, a place City have not won at in 15 years. It is astonishing, considering the achievements earned by the Citizens since they were taken over by Sheikh Mansour.

With City at their strongest ever position, Liverpool's impressive recent record against City will be severely tested. However, the Reds thwarted the rampant runaway champions of 2017-18 in the Champions League quarter-finals last season, winning both legs.

They seem like the two biggest contenders for the Premier League crown this season, something Manchester United fans will not be happy about. But it turns out that Liverpool and City do have more in common than hatred for and from the Red Devils. A laundry list of players has played for both of United's arch-rivals, including a bunch of current players.

Raheem Sterling joined Man City from Liverpool for £50 million in 2015, with ever-consistent midfielder James Milner moving in the opposite direction on a free. He has gone on to be one of the greatest free agents in Liverpool's storied history. Also, Daniel Sturridge was a product of Man City's academy before he moved to Chelsea.

There are certainly more of them from the past who have played for both clubs, but here are five players you may not remember who did so.

#5 Craig Bellamy

The fiery Welshman played for a whole host of Premier League clubs, joining Liverpool in 2006. He scored some big goals for the Reds, his biggest coming at the Nou Camp as Liverpool beat Barcelona 2-1. He had his share of controversies as well before moving on at the end of the season.

Bellamy joined Manchester City in January 2009 and was a serviceable figure in their team. He eventually returned to Liverpool in 2011, under Kenny Dalglish. Bellamy would help the Reds win the League Cup, with his winning goal against City in the semi-final. While not overly consistent, the Welshman was a good hand for Liverpool during two separate spells.

#4 David James

David James joined Liverpool from Watford in 1992 as one of the best young goalkeepers in England, but he never fulfilled his potential during his seven years at Anfield. He would move on to Aston Villa and he became one of the best 'keepers in the country.

James joined Manchester City in 2004 and spent two seasons there. He kept on getting better and eventually joined Portsmouth, where he would break the record for most Premier League appearances ever. The shot-stopper certainly got better at every club he went to in the Premier League.

#3 Dietmar Hamann

Didi Hamann was instrumental during his time at Liverpool, having being brought to the club by Gerard Houllier in 1999. He enjoyed a successful spell at the club, winning every trophy possible besides the league title. The German was a key figure in the miraculous comeback win over AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final.

Hamann left Liverpool in 2006 to join Manchester City, after agreeing to a pre-contract with Bolton Wanderers. He spent three years with the Citizens, as they were undergoing a transition to become a force in the Premier League. However, the German midfielder's most influential days came at Anfield.

#2 Robbie Fowler

Robbie Fowler is a proper Liverpool legend, graduating from the Academy in 1993. He would reach soaring heights as the Reds frontman, scoring 120 goals in the league. He won the cup treble in 2000-01, before moving on later that year, joining Leeds United. Fowler moved to Manchester City in 2003, under Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan.

He would have some slight injury problems there, before returning to Liverpool in a fairytale move. Fowler spent one and a half year at Anfield during his second spell, scoring a handful of goals in the process. The legendary Reds striker certainly left a legacy at Liverpool, one which will hopefully be duplicated by the strikers to come.

#1 Matt Busby

Manchester United fans, look away now!

Yes, legendary United manager Sir Matt Busby played for both of the Red Devils' bitter rivals. In fact, those were the only two clubs (officially recognised) he played for. Busby started his career at Manchester City in 1928 and stayed there for eight years, playing a key part and winning the 1934 FA Cup.

The Man United legend joined Liverpool for £8000 and made the number 4 shirt his own at Anfield. His consistency in midfield earned him the captain's armband. Busby was even offered the role of assistant coach at Liverpool, but a disagreement in views meant that he would go elsewhere for management. He joined United and the rest is history.

It is quite the fact that one of the biggest legends in Manchester United history played football for both Manchester City and Liverpool. Truly mind-blowing.

Edited by Sripad