5 world-class players who rejected Chelsea

Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in European football if you consider the last decade or so and have consistently won domestic honours. Club owner Roman Abramovic is known for his ambitions and doesn't hesitate to sack the managers that don't fit the bill. His ruthless nature might be a talking point for many, but it remains one of the key reasons why Chelsea are considered as a top club in world football.

To add to his never-ceasing fire, Abramovic is a known spendthrift when it comes to the transfer seasons. Playing for Chelsea means a footballer will always enjoy a handsome salary and a chance to win trophies.

However, some players still do not think of the Blues as the ultimate club they should join. Some world class players consider staying put or joining other clubs instead of moving to Stamford Bridge. Here are five such elite footballers who turned down a move to Chelsea.

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#5: Thomas Mueller (2010)

Thomas Mueller was one of the brightest prospects back in the World Cup 2010 held in South Africa. Along with a host of German stars, Mueller was a hot target for many big clubs in the world.

Aged just 21 at the time of World Cup, Mueller was already a Golden Boot winner in the tournament. With a number of clubs lining up for his signature, Chelsea were thought to be amongst those in the forefront.

However, the youngster thought it was better to sit tight rather than get carried away by the ludicrous offer the Blues had made for him. He cited his young age as a reason for choosing to stay in Germany. Mueller also seemed to be a little doubtful over the number of starts he would get at Stamford Bridge.

The German has been a vital cog in the Die Roten's attacking frontline along with superstars Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. While comparing his trophies with the number of laurels won by Chelsea, Mueller will be glad regarding his decision to reject the chance of joining Stamford Bridge.

#4: Sergio Ramos (2015)

Ramos rejected the chance to reunite with Mourinho at Stamford Bridge

Rumours of Spanish skipper Sergio Ramos were rife late in 2014. Although the tough defender enjoys a legendary status at Real Madrid, Ramos was thought to be unsatisfied with the new offer Real Madrid had planned for him.

Former Madrid boss Jose Mourinho was the first vulture to hover around Ramos, trying to convince him to switch Bernabeu for Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea coach thought of using his relations with the defender to try and shore up the defence.

But Mourinho turned out to be unlucky as Ramos put pen to paper to a new deal, keeping him at Madrid until 2020. Real director Arrigo Sacchi was thought to influence the Spaniard's decision to stay put in the La Liga. Apparently, the Italian gave him examples of Shevchenko and Kaka who saw their careers dwindling as they switched clubs for money.

Ramos must be feeling lucky, because the next two years were historically the best at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid won back-to-back Champions League titles and Los Blancos captain couldn't have been happier while lifting the famed trophy as a defending champion.

#3: Luka Modric (2014)

Mourinho failed to sign Luka Modric in the summer of 2014

Another Los Blancos superstar who slipped through the hands of Chelsea. Abramovic was keen on bringing the Croatian to Stamford Bridge in 2011 but failed to pass the hurdle of Spurs chairman Daniel Levy who was adamant on not letting Modric join a rival club.

Mourinho snapped up Modric in the summer of 2012 for Real Madrid. Two years later, the Portuguese manager tried to bring Modric back to London but was thwarted again.

After a successful year with Madrid, winning the much awaited La Decima, Modric rejected Mourinho's offer of a reunion at Stamford Bridge. The midfielder has already gained a reputation as the world's best central midfielder at present.

#2: Sergio Aguero (2011)

Aguero joined Manchester City after rejecting Chelsea

It's no secret that Roman Abramovic has remained a big admirer of the clinical Argentine striker Sergio Aguero. Even after his move to City, Chelsea haven't abandoned their efforts to bring Aguero to Stamford Bridge.

In desperate need of a striker to replace the ageing Didier Drogba, Chelsea had contacted Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid with a deal for Sergio Aguero. However, the then 22-year-old striker turned down Chelsea, stating his decision to stay put with Los Colchoneros. The Argentine had recently signed a contract to stay with Atletico until 2014 and was intent on honouring it.

However, Aguero did somewhat deceive Chelsea to join the newly rich Manchester City for a €40 million fee. Since then, he has been a part of City's history and a key player in the Sky Blues' rich attack. Although Aguero might regret not winning a Champions League title as Chelsea did in 2012, the Argentine still seems to be going strong in his seventh year at the Etihad.

#1: Neymar (2011)

Neymar rejected Chelsea to play with Leo Messi at Barcelona

Selecao captain Neymar Da Silva was probably the best talent that Chelsea failed to sign in their entire history. Regarded as the best player in the world after Messi and Ronaldo, Neymar rejected Chelsea not once, but two times.

The first rejection came when he was an 18-year-old in 2010, dazzling big clubs with his eye-catching performances. Chelsea had offered him £55,000 per week, but Neymar was happy to remain at Santos earning £40,000 a week.

A year later, Chelsea were disappointed again when Neymar chose Spanish giants Barcelona over them. A chance to play with Lionel Messi was the most influential factor in Neymar's decision to reject the Blues and even Real Madrid, who had offered him a better contract.

Needless to say, Neymar became a lethal forward, developing into the promising world-class player we see today. He was a crucial part of the Messi-Neymar-Suarez trio which is regarded as the best trio in the history of football. No, of course, he is tearing it in the Ligue 1 after signing for PSG for what was a world-record transfer fee.