5 Real Madrid legends who had untimely departures from the club

Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo left the club in less than ideal circumstances
Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo left the club in less than ideal circumstances

#3 Sergio Ramos

Club captain Sergio Ramos is the latest legend to leave Real Madrid
Club captain Sergio Ramos is the latest legend to leave Real Madrid

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

Iker Casillas had an unceremonious end to his Real Madrid career
Iker Casillas had an unceremonious end to his Real Madrid career

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

Cristiano Ronaldo propelled Real Madrid to unforeseen heights
Cristiano Ronaldo propelled Real Madrid to unforeseen heights

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

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