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Real Madrid are undoubtedly one of the top clubs in the world and have enjoyed tremendous success over the decades. Los Blancos have been crowned Spanish Champions 34 times, while winning the coveted European Cup 13 times in their illustrious history.
It is no secret that Real Madrid are obsessed with winning titles. Their sky-high ambitions have pushed them to become the most decorated club in Europe. The La Liga giants, as a result, have brought some of the greatest footballers to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid is still a dream destination for many top footballers in the world
While some players have elevated their careers by donning the Royal White jersey, there are also players who have regrets about leaving the club. Without further ado, let's take a look at five players who regret leaving Real Madrid:
#5 Robinho
Robinho was hailed as a generational talent during his initial years, which propelled Real Madrid to sign him as a 'Galactico' in 2005. The Brazilian was blessed with pace and a wide range of skills, earning the number 10 jersey at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Robinho proved to be a nightmare for defenders in La Liga. At Real Madrid, the forward was one of the top goalscorers during his four-year spell at the club. His performances were so good that they earned him a top 10 spot in the Ballon d'Or rankings (2007-08). His exploits helped the Spanish giants win two La Liga titles during his four-year tenure.
Robinho then left Real Madrid for Manchester City in 2008 and became their first ever big-money signing under the ownership of the Abu Dhabi group. Despite scoring 14 goals in the Premier League in his first campaign, his form dipped as he suffered injuries over the next few seasons.
Robinho was loaned to Santos and consequently sold to Milan in 2010 following a dismal second season with Cityzens.
#4 Alvaro Morata
Alvaro Morata was never a starter during his tenure at Real Madrid, yet managed to exceed expectations in the Spanish capital. He left Madrid in search of game time and landed at Juventus. After a good spell in Turin, Madrid decided to buy him back.
Following his arrival from Juventus, the Spaniard proved to be efficient in front of goal. He scored 20 goals in the 2016/17 season, which was his best campaign. It helped Los Blancos win La Liga and the Champions League.
Due to his goal-scoring exploits, Chelsea made a big money move to secure Morata's services. The sharpshooter made a bright start to his career at Stamford Bridge. But he slowly dropped below the pecking order, unable to find his scoring boots. Morata ended up with just 24 goals in 72 appearances before joining Atletico Madrid.
Morata has not been able to shine since departing Real Madrid and is currently on loan at Juventus from Atletico Madrid.
#3 Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria was a breath of fresh air at Real Madrid, running past defenders with absurd ease. The Argentine was one of the chief orchestrators for Los Blancos who played a pivotal role in their La Decima triumph in 2014.
Di Maria racked up 36 goals and 85 assists in his four seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, which speaks volumes about his time at the club. However, he made an exit from Real Madrid to become a Red Devil by joining Manchester United.
Di Maria was honored with the iconic #7 jersey at United but he was unable to find his feet at England. In his solitary season with the Red Devils, he went on to score four goals and registered 12 assists before opting for a move to PSG.
Di Maria has turned his career around since his dismal stint at Old Trafford and remains a top player for PSG. However, the 33-year old never really climbed the heights he achieved at Real Madrid with stars like Neymar and Kylian Mbappe hogging the limelight.
#2 Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil, one of the best creators of the last decade, enjoyed his best life at Real Madrid. The arrival of the German playmaker helped the Galacticos challenge Barcelona under Jose Mourinho's guidance.
Ozil helped Real Madrid break the record number of goals scored on their way to a domestic double in the 2011-22 season. The midfielder was the best in the business when it came to chance creation, racking up 27 goals and 80 assists during his three-year stint in Spain.
Following his move to Arsenal, Ozil was influential for the Gunners and led them to numerous cup titles over the years. Despite some terrific campaigns, Ozil has become a shadow of the player he was at Real Madrid.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
Boasting a mammoth tally of 451 goals in just 438 games with Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo needs no introduction. The Portuguese icon is Madrid's all-time top scorer, amassing unmatchable honors and breaking a plethora of records during his nine-year stint at the club.
Ronaldo's service at Real Madrid is unmatchable. He guided them to three consecutive Champions League titles, among other notable accolades. In addition to being the top goalscorer, the 36-year old also managed to win four Ballon d'Or titles during his nine-year stint at the club.
Ronaldo joined Juventus in a big money transfer from Real Madrid in 2018. Despite scoring 101 goals in 134 matches for the Bianconeri, he was criticized repeatedly by the media for failing to help Juventus win the Champions League. Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in the summer, but has endured tough times so far in this campaign.
