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There is nothing quite like when a player faces up against their old clubs. A feeling of inevitability that they will be involved in a flashpoint, an incident, play out of their skin or most exhilarating of all- score. This then brings the debate over whether these players should celebrate or not? Is it a sign of disrespect to celebrate scoring against an old employer or can the passion sometimes take over?
Too much to contain perhaps. There have been plenty of instances where players have gone overboard and let their emotions get the better of them whilst other times we have seen cooler heads prevail. Either way, there is just something special about a goal against a former club so lets take a look at some big ones!
Frank Lampard vs Chelsea
This one was written in the stars. Chelsea legend Frank Lampard spent 13 years at the club and amassed 648 appearances for the side from West London. With Lampard due to join MLS side New York City FC, a short term loan deal was agreed with Manchester City for the England legend to gain some match fitness before the US season got underway.
This stint in Manchester proved relatively successful with the midfielder playing a larger part than many expected- 38 games returning 8 goals proved he still had what it takes to compete at the highest level. Of those 8 goals, the one we are focusing on is the equalising goal he scored against his beloved Chelsea during a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
Lampard came off the bench in the 77th minute and 8 minutes later he swept home ahead of John Terry and past Thibault Courtois. From the moment he was readying himself to come on, Chelsea fans groaned and their sense of dread was justified as their former hero struck against them.
As classy and dignified as ever he refused to celebrate- instead looking rather apologetic in his body language. It was clear this was not a goal or a moment he had particularly enjoyed but this was plain and simple a vintage Frank Lampard goal, with the fact he did not celebrate endearing him to the Chelsea faithful even further.
Emmanuel Adebayor vs Arsenal
Emmanuel Adebayor has always been a polarising individual wherever he has played his football. Well known to Premier League fans after spells with Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.
His spell at Arsenal was a relatively successful one with his best campaign for the Gunners in 2007-2008 returning 30 goals in 48 appearances. Controversy was never too far behind the striker with many issues surfacing in his personal life which could sometimes disrupt his form on the pitch.
Adebayor turned into the pantomime villain after leaving Arsenal, drawing criticism from fans regarding the manner of his departure from the club and the fact he joined a rival side. A £25 million move saw the hitman join Manchester City. After this was when the inevitable happened and only his fourth appearance for the club he scored during a 4-2 victory for City against Arsenal at the Etihad.
Not content with kicking Robin Van Persie in the face during this game (for which he later received a 3 match violent conduct ban) he proceeded to run the full length of pitch after scoring before knee sliding in front of the travelling Arsenal fans which provoked an eruption of anger in response. An almost iconic moment, abuse was hurled towards the Togolese striker and objects thrown in an ugly scene.
Adebayor was later charged with improper conduct from the FA which saw him banned for 2 games accompanied with a £25,000 fine. The goal itself was a wonderfully executed header however the celebration was maybe not the most tactful- hopefully lessons were learned that day!
Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs Inter Milan
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has played for a number of European giants throughout his illustrious career and scored many goals during this time. His resume is extremely impressive, playing for the likes of Juventus, Barcelona and Manchester United amongst others.
Such is the array of big clubs he has played for, it would always be inevitable that the Swedish enigma would end up facing one of his former teams and such is his prowess- that he would score against one of these sides. But would Zlatan comply with usual rules of decorum or respect? Unlikely. Especially when goaded by a former teammate.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic spent 3 seasons with Inter Milan spanning 2006 - 2009 and played some brilliant football during his time on the Black and Blue side of Milan. However, after things didn't quite work out at Barcelona the maestro himself returned to Milan but this time with Inter's city rivals AC Milan, much to the horror of the fans.
On more than one ocassion Zlatan came back to haunt Inter with goals in the great derby but one particular moment stood out. In 2012, Inter keeper Julio Cesar looked to taunt Zlatan and put him off in the lead up to a penalty kick. Zlatan proceeded to slam the penalty home and celebrate in a provocative manner towards the Brazilian shot stopper. A classic Zlatan moment and one that showed he was not afraid to punish his old clubs in typically ruthless fashion.
Fernando Torres vs Atletico Madrid
Fernando Torres playing for his boyhood club Atletico Madrid was nothing short of a footballing fairytale for a number of years. He was their boy wonder when he burst onto the scene at the age of 17 making his first team debut and even captained the club at the age of 19.
This was during the first of two spells he enjoyed with the club which earned him legendary status with his adoring fanbase. Over 400 games later and his adventure with the Madrid-based side came to an end as he has gone to wind down his career in Japanese football with Sagan Tosu.
In between his spells with Atletico Torres spent time with Premier League clubs Liverpool and Chelsea respectively. His time with Liverpool was certainly more prolific, but a certain goal he scored during his time at Chelsea was one he will never forget. In a Champions League semi-final 2nd leg, Torres would face up against his boyhood club Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge.
After a cagey 0-0 draw in the away leg, Chelsea capitulated to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Spaniards. However, Chelsea's goal on the night was of course scored by none other than 'El Nino' himself, firing Chelsea into the lead before a brilliant second half display from the visitors settled the tie.
As soon as the ball hit the back of the net Torres already had his hands raised in apology with little joy or emotion at having just scored in such an important game in the latter stage of European competition. A memorable goal but for Torres, a real bittersweet moment.
Sergio Ramos vs Sevilla
Sergio Ramos certainly is no stranger to controversy and often makes the headlines for all the wrong reasons. As brilliant as he can be on the field, his performances are often tainted by acts of aggression and petulance.
A brilliant servant for Real Madrid having played almost 600 times for the club and with 161 caps for the Spanish national team no one can doubt his commitment to the cause and his ability to play at the highest level. However, his conduct and disciplinary record have been called into question on a few ocassions.
One club he particularly seems to have issues with is former side Sevilla. Ramos joined Real Madrid from Sevilla in 2005 for 27 million euros which was at the time the record for a Spanish defender. Sevilla fans didn't take too kindly to the transfer and have always given Ramos a hard time during fixtures between the two.
Quite often the Spaniard has scored against his former club however one particular incident carries particular bite. In a thrilling 3-3 draw in the Copa Del Rey a penalty was awarded to the side from Madrid. Ramos stepped up, after having abuse hurled at him for much of the game by a hostile crowd and nonchalantly dinked a 'panenka' penalty down the middle and into the back of the net.
The crowd were furious and Ramos simply cupped his ears and faced the home crowd- which of course did not go down well. There was much public fallout after the game, with Ramos accusing his old fans of insulting his mother amongst other claims. Real Madrid stepped to the defence of their captain but this incident has not been forgotten and tensions always rise when he faces Sevilla.
