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There is no player bigger than the club and it stands true for any club and any player. That being said, players need to be valued in the right fashion and in a respectful manner.
For example, Lionel Messi was discovered by Barcelona but the Catalan club has been recognized in this century majorly because of what the Argentine has done for them. The same sounds true for many other clubs, especially in Europe's top five leagues.
While clubs have been grateful for the services players have provided over the years, some have failed to treat them in the right manner. It is unfair given how footballers give their everything to bring success to these clubs.
On that note, let's take a look at some of those legendary players who were forced to leave their respective clubs:
#5 Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
Yaya Toure was one of those players who were signed soon after the Abu Dhabi takeover of Manchester City. The former Barcelona midfielder had an instant impact with City and was one of the best players in the Premier League during his prime.
The Ivorian flourished under almost every manager that he played for. His best spell, though, came under Manuel Pellegrini. Yaya Toure, along with David Silva in midfield, ran riot as the duo were relentless in attack with immense creativity and technical abilities. It was the arrival of Pep Guardiola that changed things for Toure at City.
It looked like the Spanish manager did not favor Yaya Toure, which is why he excluded him from the UEFA Champions League squad. This did not go down well with Yaya's agent as he made the following comments:
"If he wins the Champions League for City this season then I will travel to England and I will say on television that Pep Guardiola is the best manager in the world.
"But if City don't win the Champions League then I hope that Pep has got the balls to say that he was wrong to humiliate a great player like Yaya."
This was just the beginning of the many fallouts Toure's agent had with Pep Guardiola. This hampered the Ivorian midfielder's relationship with the Spanish manager as he was benched more often than not. Due to the limited opportunities that he got at City, Toure was forced to leave them in 2018.
#4 Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Mesut Ozil is one of the best playmakers of his generation. With his agility, flair and amazing creative abilities, the German has been a delight to watch when on song.
He joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013 and gave some powerful performances for the Gunners, especially under then manager Arsene Wenger. Following Arsene's retirement, Ozil struggled to get regular game-time under both Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.
Emery cited how Ozil lacked motivation, commitment and professionalism. Following the manager's departure, Mikel Arteta took over and post the Covid-19 pandemic, the Arsenal players were asked to take a pay-cut, which Ozil refused.
Hence, the relationship between Arteta and Ozil failed to get better and the former Real Madrid forward was sidelined frequently. Eventually, Ozil was forced to push a move away from Arsenal to Fenerbache in an attempt to resurrect his career.
#3 Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
Iker Casillas came through the ranks at Real Madrid and was a passionate Madridista from day one. He loved the club from the bottom of his heart, which was very evident with his commitment on the pitch.
Having made more than 700 appearances for Los Blancos, Casillas was bound to retire with his boyhood club. But club president Florentino Perez had other plans. Casillas' parents claimed that their son was being forced out by Perez. The Real Madrid president was keen on bringing Manchester United's David De Gea or Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon to replace Casillas.
Unfortunately, a man like Casillas could not do anything and decided to join Porto. The Spanish goalkeeper was all in tears when he held his farewell press conference. Undoubtedly, it was surely an unfair treatment for a legend like Casillas, especially given his services to Real Madrid.
#2 Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Ever since Sergio Ramos joined Real Madrid from Sevilla in 2005, the Spaniard has been a regular for the Spanish giants. He was a major influence at the club as well.
There are very few players who are as effective as Sergio Ramos was for Real Madrid in terms of being a leader. He led from the front despite playing in the defense. His aggression, passion and defensive abilities made him a deadly defender and not to forget the threat he possesses from set-pieces.
The Spaniard was forced to leave Real Madrid as he failed to reach a contract agreement with the club this summer.
Ramos was offered a one-year contract extension when he wanted a two-year deal. Eventually, when the Spanish centre-back was ready to settle for a one-year extension, Real Madrid informed him that the contract offer had a validity period which had expired.
The former Sevilla defender was left with no choice but to join Paris Saint-Germain this summer. After 15 years of his service, Ramos surely deserved better treatment from Real Madrid.
#1 Luis Suarez (Barcelona)
Luis Suarez was a phenomenal player when he played for Liverpool in the Premier League and his form only got better when he joined Barcelona in 2014. Alongside Lionel Messi, the Uruguayan striker became a deadly goalscorer with the Catalan club.
Before the start of last season, Suarez was informed by then manager Ronald Koeman that he was not in the Dutchman's plans. The reason behind the decision was that 33-year-old Suarez was deemed too old and that he would struggle despite having stellar form in the previous six seasons.
It was a shocking move considering how Suarez averaged more than 20 goals per season, defying his age. The former Liverpool striker was left with no option in the end but to leave as he joined Atletico Madrid last season.
The move was productive for him and his new club as Atletico won the La Liga last season, with Suarez scoring 21 league goals. Surely Barcelona should have known better and kept the Uruguayan forward in their ranks.
