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The recent departure of Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid has once again ignited debate about how the club treats their legendary players.
There has been criticism aimed at Real Madrid for the way the departures of greats like Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane were dealt with. Club captain Sergio Ramos' exit has now drawn mixed reactions as well.
One of the biggest clubs in world football, there is a feeling that Real Madrid could do more than just a press conference. Numerous big names at the club have left the club in a subdued manner.
We look at 5 such departures from Real Madrid that could have been handled better by the club.
#5 Pepe
Pepe's Real Madrid career did not lack controversy, but there is no denying that he was a key player for Los Blancos during his time there.
The centre-back joined Real Madrid from Porto for £27 million in 2007 and made his name as an aggressive defender who did not shy away from the physical aspects of the game. Pepe made 334 appearances in all competitions during his ten seasons with the club, and won three La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies.
His last season with Real Madrid was injury-riddled, and the defender was quietly released on a free transfer by the club. The 38-year old enjoyed a spell with Besiktas before returning to Porto. The veteran defender was one of the best players for the club in the season gone by. Pepe is part of the Portugal squad for UEFA Euro 2020.
Also Read: Euro 2020: 5 players who could impress in unfamiliar positions
#4 Zinedine Zidane (as Real Madrid manager)
One of the greatest players of all time, Zinedine Zidane proved to be a world-class manager as well during his two spells with Real Madrid.
The Frenchman was appointed as Real Madrid boss in January 2016 after the sacking of Rafa Benitez. Zidane led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League title victories during his first stint as manager of Los Blancos, as Real Madrid became the most feared club in Europe.
Zidane abruptly announced his departure after the third Champions League trophy win. However, he returned to the club in 2019, leading them to a La Liga title. The 48-year old departed Real Madrid for the second time this year, criticising the club for not placing enough trust in him.
#3 Sergio Ramos
Real Madrid recently announced that talismanic centre-back Sergio Ramos will leave the club this summer on a free transfer.
Ramos has been a mainstay in the Real Madrid defence ever since his arrival from Sevilla in 2005 and is regarded as one of the best centre-backs of the modern generation. The Spain international made 671 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring an astounding 101 goals.
The 35-year old will not be short of suitors. Renowned for his technical ability, aggressive style of play and leadership, Ramos has been linked with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.
#2 Iker Casillas
One of Real Madrid's finest and arguably the greatest goalkeeper to have played the game, Iker Casillas' departure from Real Madrid was not received well by fans.
A product of the Real Madrid academy, Casillas made 725 appearances in all competitions for the club since his debut in 1999. A world-class shot-stopper who was also appreciated for his leadership skills, Casillas won every possible trophy for club and country.
However, the Spain international's treatment during his last few seasons with Los Blancos was heavily criticised. Under the management of Jose Mourinho, Casillas was demoted to the bench. He eventually left the club under controversial circumstances in 2015 to join Porto. The 40-year old retired in 2020.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
The transfer that shocked the world. Cristiano Ronaldo was often linked with a move away from Real Madrid but those were almost always regarded as mere rumours.
Real Madrid won three consecutive Champions League titles under Zidane, but a few weeks later, both the manager and Ronaldo had left the club. In the Portugal international's case, Juventus came calling and Real Madrid decided to sell him to the Italian giants for a fee of £105 million.
Real Madrid's all-time top goalscorer, Ronaldo's legacy with the club is secure. The 36-year old has done well on an individual level in Serie A, but both Real Madrid and Ronaldo have failed to replicate the success they enjoyed together.
Also Read: 4 things Real Madrid need to do in this transfer window
