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We are nearly approaching the fourth edition of the Indian Super League and this time it's even bigger with two more teams included in the 5-month football extravaganza. Many big International footballers have played in the glamorous competition and much more will follow. But there are players who were about to set foot in India, but eventually did not.
Let us have a look at footballers who nearly joined the Indian Super League:
#5 Julio Baptista
Brazilian Julio Baptista was the latest player to be linked with the Indian Super League, with Kerala Blasters FC showing interest in the attacking midfielder for the upcoming season which is about to kick off on November 17.
The South American rejected the offer from the Kerala-based team, and was in close talks English club Bolton Wanderers but eventually failed to sign the contract.
Baptista has played for European powerhouses like Arsenal, Real Madrid and Roma. Popularly known as “The Beast” for his physical stature, he made his presence felt on the football pitch and is an asset to any team which he plays for.
The Sao Paolo-born footballer played 37 matches for his national team making his debut during the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup. After being dropped from the 2006 World Cup, he was recalled for the 2007 Copa America and scored the opening goal in the final against Argentina in a 3-0 victory to clinch the title.
#4 Didier Drogba
African striker Didier Drogba was offered a mammoth $1 million by the Kolkata giants for securing his services in the second year of the glamorous event. The Spanish midfielder, Luis Garcia, was the marquee player for Atletico de Kolkata in the inaugural edition of the ISL, but he was released and the owners had an eye on the man from Ivory Coast.
“This is a real statement of intent from clubs in the Indian Super League, who are passionately trying to put India on the global football map,” said Drogba’s UK-based agent Baljit Rihal when the ISL team made the offer.
In spite of the tempting offer, there were no responses from the other side and the people from Kolkata were deprived of watching the star player from close quarters. He currently plays for the American club Pheonix Rising after retiring from International football in 2014 after leading his nation to two FIFA World Cup finals.
The Chelsea legend made a comeback to the Stanford Bridge outfit in 2014, and a year later he had an opportunity to play in the Indian Super League for a handsome pay but ended up signing for American club Montreal Impact instead.
#3 Miroslav Klose
All-time World Cup leading goalscorer Miroslav Klose was in close talks with Chennaiyin FC but nothing was official just before the start of the third edition of the Indian Super League in 2016. According to reliable sources, Klose was on the verge of signing on the dotted lines before pulling out at the last minute.
Not only did he reject any possibility of playing for the club from southern India but he also retired from professional football on November 1, 2016.
The Polish-born German striker is one of the most celebrated footballers to have represented the nation. He was part of the 2014 FIFA World Cup winning squad in Brazil and also played a pivotal role in the 2002 edition where they were runners-up. He won the Golden Boot award during the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
#2 Kaka
Brazilian superstar ‘Kaka’ was on Atletico de Kolkata’s radar during the second edition of the Indian Super League. Former cricketer and ATK's co-owner Sourav Ganguly was very keen on signing the former Ballon D’ Or winner but eventually, the Brazilian did not make the long trip across to the Asian nation. During that time, Kaka was playing for Orlando City as an attacking midfielder in the Major League Soccer.
"About Kaka... talks are going on, but nothing has been finalised yet. When it is finalised we will surely disclose the news," said Atletico de Kolkata co-owner Ganguly during a conference prior to the start of the 2015 season.
Failing to rope in the Brazilian, the Kolkata-based team qualified for the semi-finals during that edition before Chennaiyin FC had the better of them in a two-legged clash.
The former Real Madrid man has had an illustrious career both at club level and at the International level. The two of his most memorable achievements was the 2002 FIFA World Cup win and the 2007 UEFA Champions League title.
#1 Ronaldinho
Brazilian wonder boy Ronaldinho was among the probable’s to grace India with his magical football when his agent was in close talks with ISL franchise Chennaiyin FC for the first season in 2014. It was learnt as per reports that a whopping $125,000 dollars a week was offered to the former FIFA Player of the Year award winner.
The proposed deal fell through due to some unavoidable disagreement in financial terms and the former Barcelona was roped in by Mexican club Queretaro.
"I chose Mexico for the affection I have always received there. I am very motivated to represent Queretaro," tweeted Ronaldinho after his move to Central America.
"Ronaldinho would have been a dream signing. Life is all about winning and losing. We lost here but I am confident that ultimately we will win," said Prashant Agarwal, CEO of Kshatriya Sports, technical partners of Chennai franchise, after they failed to sign the Ronaldinho.
Among his major achievement are the 2002 FIFA World Cup with his national team and the 2006 UEFA Champions League win with the Catalan giants, Barcelona.
