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The Premier League is arguably the toughest league in European football, with players across the world eager to participate in the English top-flight.
With big names like Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, the Premier League houses some of the biggest managerial and player talent in the world. Many of the best players in world football currently play in the Premier League.
However, there are some legendary players who never represented a Premier League club during their storied careers. These players are some of the greatest to have played the game.
We look at 5 greatest footballers to have never played in the Premier League.
#5 Paolo Maldini
Regarded by many as the greatest defender to have played the game, Paolo Maldini spent his entire playing career representing AC Milan.
Maldini made his debut for AC Milan in 1984 and spent 25 seasons with the club. He made 901 appearances in all competitions for the club, making his name as an extremely consistent and reliable defender capable of operating as a left-back and as a centre-back.
The Italy international won seven Serie A titles and five European Cup/Champions League trophies with the club. Maldini was renowned for his incredible fitness levels, which saw him be a constant presence in the AC Milan backline even during his 30s. The 53-year old retired in 2009 and is currently the technical director of AC Milan.
#4 Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho was a highly skilful, technical player who was well known for his creative style of play and dribbling ability.
The Brazil international is seen by many as one of the greatest players to have played the game. Ronaldinho made his name at Paris Saint-Germain and was reportedly close to joining Premier League outfit Manchester United before moving to Barcelona in 2003 for £29 million.
Ronaldinho was Barcelona's star before the emergence of Lionel Messi. The forward made 207 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga giants, scoring 94 goals and providing 71 assists.
He won the Ballon d'Or for his performances in 2005, while with Barcelona he won the La Liga twice and the Champions League once. After stints with clubs like AC Milan, Flamengo and Fluminense, Ronaldinho retired in 2015 without ever turning out in the Premier League.
#3 Ronaldo Nazario
Ronaldo Nazario transformed the No. 9 position with his style of play and heavily influenced the future generation.
An iconic footballer, Ronaldo was a bonafide superstar. A prolific goalscorer, Ronaldo captured the attention of top clubs across Europe with his performances for PSV Eindhoven and joined Barcelona in 1996. In his single season with Barcelona, Ronaldo scored 47 goals in all competitions.
It was with Real Madrid that Ronaldo established his greatness. The Brazil international made 177 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos, scoring 103 goals and providing 35 assists. With his national team, Ronaldo won two World Cups and two Copa America titles, and he also won two Ballon d'Or awards.
#2 Zinedine Zidane
Another iconic footballer, Zinedine Zidane was one of the most popular sportsmen in the world during his prime.
An elegant, technically gifted midfielder, Zidane was widely lauded for his ability on the ball. The France international represented four clubs during his playing career, making his name at Cannes and Bordeaux before joining Juventus in 1996 and moving to Real Madrid in 2001.
While there was some criticism aimed at his consistency, Zidane captured the hearts of his fans with his style of play. With the France national team, he won the World Cup and the Euros.
Zidane is now regarded as one of the best managers in the game, having achieved huge success with Real Madrid during his two spells at the helm of the club.
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest player to have played the game, and Premier League fans will be left to wonder what could have been.
When Lionel Messi announced his decision to leave Barcelona last summer, Manchester City were seen as the heavy favourites to sign him. The Argentina international left Barcelona under controversial circumstances this summer, but City had other targets and Paris Saint-Germain swooped in to sign him on a free transfer.
The 34-year old is getting better with age. A world-class creator, dribbler and goalscorer, Messi has seen his new club, Paris Saint-Germain, become comfortable favourites to win the Champions League this season.
Also Read: 5 best free agents still available this transfer market
