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Football fans demand a lot from their clubs and their players, and in return, give a lot of respect to those who they perceive as having tried their very best.
However, there are a few players fans do not respond to due to a variety of reasons. Players are expected to form a bond with their club's fanbase, through social media interaction or through their performances on the field, which not everyone is able to do.
No player is bigger than the club, and this statement has done the rounds quite often in recent years. With player power on the rise and agents like Mino Raiola calling the shots, loyalty is in short supply.
On that note, here's a look at five superstars who have not been respected by their own fans.
#5 Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)
With Granit Xhaka edging closer to the exit door at Arsenal, his legacy at the club could be defined by his mixed relationship with the club's fans.
The Switzerland international joined Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 for £40.5 million amid much fanfare. While he is clearly a talented player, Xhaka's temperament has often been questioned throughout his Arsenal stint. His aggressive style of play has also proved to be a source of frustration for the Arsenal faithful.
In 2019, then Arsenal manager Unai Emery named Xhaka the captain of the club. However, just a month later, the 28-year old was heavily jeered after he was substituted in a game against Crystal Palace. Xhaka retaliated by responding to the jeers, and a few days later, he was removed as the club captain.
An excellent passer, the former Basel man has been one of Arsenal's key players in recent years. It would not be surprising to see Xhaka do well at Roma, the club he has been linked to heavily. Nevertheless, it is evident Arsenal fans would not lose much sleep over Xhaka's transfer.
#4 Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
The scrutiny on Paul Pogba has been intense since he returned to Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for a then world-record fee of £94.5 million.
A highly-rated talent during his early days with Manchester United, Pogba joined Juventus on a free transfer in 2012 and made his name as one of the best young players in the game. United did well to sign him in 2016, amid interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Pogba's second spell with the Old Trafford outfit, though, has been a mixed bag at best.
While the France international has shown glimpses of his world-class talent, he has often been heavily targetted by fans and critics. His lifestyle and his constantly changing hairstyles have not been received well by Manchester United fans, who believe Pogba should do more in Manchester United's midfield.
With just a year left in his contract, many fans are of the opinion that the club should sell Pogba this summer. Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with the Frenchman recently, but the Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to keep the 28-year-old.
You may also like: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Arsenal's plans for midfield, update on Barcelona's plans for Griezmann, and more.
#3 Jorginho (Chelsea)
Whenever a manager fails to get the desired results at a particular club, the players he signs tends to bear the brunt of the fans' criticism.
At Manchester United, Marouane Fellaini was one such player. The Belgian was signed during David Moyes' unsuccessful spell as manager. Despite being a useful player to have, fans never truly warmed up to Fellaini post-Moyes' departure. Jorginho, at Chelsea, seems to be suffering due to the same reason after Maurizio Sarri's departure.
The Italy international was signed by Chelsea during Maurizio Sarri's tenure as manager. Sarri's brand of football was never fully appreciated by Chelsea fans, and the Italian left the club after just one season. Jorginho, meanwhile, stuck around, and despite producing good performances, he has never endeared himself to the Chelsea fans.
Nevertheless, the 29-year-old played a key role as Chelsea won the Champions League last season, and was arguably Italy's best player during their triumphant Euro 2020 campaign.
Chelsea fans have been showing their appreciation for Jorginho in recent weeks, though. The midfielder has been constantly linked with a move away from the Stamford Bridge outfit after Sarri's departure, but it would be surprising not to see Jorginho play for Chelsea next season.
#2 David Beckham (England)
David Beckham is an icon of the sport and a legend of Manchester United and the England national team.
Things were not so smooth after the 1998 FIFA World Cup for Beckham, though. In the second round of the competition, Beckham received a red card for a foul on Argentine midfielder Diego Simeone, and watched helplessly as England lost the game on penalties.
Beckham was arguably the least popular man in England after the game. The midfielder received death threats, and the English media showed no kindness to the Manchester United star. This animosity would continue for the next few years.
In 2000, Beckham was heavily booed during a game against Portugal. However, the Manchester United youth product was made team captain that very year by Sven-Goran Eriksson.
In 2001, England needed a draw against Greece to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. With the Three Lions down 2-1, up stepped Beckham. He curled in a beautiful free-kick, and was heralded as a national hero. Beckham's redemption was complete.
#1 Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
On paper, Gareth Bale has enjoyed an excellent career at Real Madrid. The forward joined Los Blancos from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a then-world record fee of £90.9 million.
The Wales international has made 250 appearances in all competitions, scoring 104 goals and providing 68 assists, for Madrid. He has won four Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles, and has played a key role in almost every trophy won by the Merengues since his arrival.
Nevertheless, Bale does not enjoy a good relationship with the Real Madrid fans. He has been booed frequently, and his commitment to the club has been questioned on a regular basis. Bale, for his part, has only increased the anger of the fans through his actions.
It was not surprising to see Bale join Tottenham Hotspur on loan last season. His time at Real Madrid has almost certainly come to an end. If Madrid can find a club willing to take Bale, they will likely let go of the 32-year old, whose big wages are a burden for Madrid.
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