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Players in the modern game are known the world over for making switches to different countries and leagues. As the game of football has spread wider, with more economic opportunities lurking in various continents, footballers have become aware of the market and quickly capitalise to improve their status by making the switch.
However, in Europe specifically with the history and economic viability of clubs, the chances of players remaining at institutions where they began or were once part of is claimed to be higher than that of a footballer from any other part of the world, although that heavily depends on the quality of the individual.
Having said that, the number of players who have managed to do so are staggering low. There are a few exceptions however and we take a look at the five of the most active one-club players in Europe.
#5 Igor Akinfeev- CSKA Moscow -14 years 11 months
Russian and CSKA Moscow goalkeeper and captain, Igor Akinfeev began his professional career in 2003 career with the club, after working his way up the ranks in the club since the tender age of 8.
The Russian shot-stopper is a six-time Russian Premier League winner as well as a UEFA Cup winner in 04-05. He also holds the record for the most number of clean-sheets in Russian football history with 245.
The 31-year-old has been with CSKA Moscow for 14 years and counting and is fifth on the list of active one-club players. Akinfeev is just seven games away from becoming his country's most capped player surpassing current record holder Sergei Ignashevich with 120.
With tons of international experience, the Russian football faithful will be hoping for some stellar performances from their captain in the upcoming 2018 Russian WC.
Also read: 5 longest-serving players in the current Arsenal squad
#4 Danielle di Rossi- AS Roma- 16 years 5 months
Italian World Cup winner and Roma captain, Danielle di Rossi began his career in 2001, making his debut for the club in a Champions League game. Di Rossi has played for Roma for 16 years and looks set to retire at the club just like his predecessor Francisco Totti.
The Italian midfielder has never won the Serie A with the club, having come close on many occasions only to fall short. He has two Coppa Italia-s and a Super Coppa to his name and was a part of the national squad that finished runners-up in Euro 2012.
The 34-year-old Danielle di Rossi is widely considered one of the best Italian midfielders of his generation alongside Andrea Pirlo and is a WC winner in 2006 with Italy. A Roma player all through his career, di Rossi's loyalty and commitment to the club has not wavered in all his years.
Also read: 5 longest serving players in the current Liverpool squad
#3 Gianluigi Buffon- Juventus - 16 years 5 months
Legendary retired Italian WC winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is in his last season at Juventus. The shot-stopper joined the Turin club in 2001 from Parma and will complete nearly 17 years of service as the club's number 1.
Having begun his career at Parma in 95, Buffon stayed at The Old Lady through dismal times post his move to the Turin club. The Italian is the most capped player for his country making a staggering 175 caps for the national side.
Buffon has been an ever-present between the sticks for Italy and Juventus over the last two decades and will be missed, as he has declared his intention to hang up his boots at the end of the campaign.
A multiple time Serie A winner and Coppa Italia winners, the veteran shot-stopper will go down in the history of the game, as one of the best goalkeepers to have graced the game.
#2 Aleski Berezutski- CSKA Moscow - 16 years 5 months
Veteran Russian defender and CSKA Moscow player, Aleksi Berezutski joined the club in 2001, as a nineteen-year-old, a year before his identical twin brother Vasili Berezutski joined the club.
However, the defender's career began two years earlier with Torpedo-ZIL Moscow in 1999 before he got his big break with CSKA Moscow. A UEFA Cup winner and a multiple time Russian Premier League, the defender is an experienced player playing at the highest level of the game.
Berezutski has made over 50 appearances for the national team and will be a key component in Russia's backline in next year's WC. Along with his brother, the two veteran defenders will spearhead Russia's bid from the back. Aleksi has spent 16 years with the club and been a vital part of the side's success over the last decade.
#1 Andres Iniesta- Barcelona - 16 years 5 months
Spanish and Barcelona midfield maestro Andres Iniesta has won every tournament there is to win for club and country. A skilful, tricky, creative midfielder with great vision and technique and dribbling ability, Iniesta has conquered the game as a player.
A veteran servant of the Catalan giants, the Spaniard joined the club in 1996 and made his professional debut in 2002. A player who worked his way through the ranks, Iniesta was picked to be a sure shot first team player from an early age.
With great composure on the ball and a selfless individual for the team, Iniesta has been a Barcelona player for 16 years and currently serves as the captain of the club. Taking over from Xavi as captain, the 33-year-old will be keen to make another WC appearance in Russia next year.
A WC and two times European champion with Spain, Iniesta has also collected numerous individual awards including a runners-up finish in the 2010 Ballon d'Or award.
