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The world of football has, over the decade, witnessed some of the most unbelievable transfers completed. It has seen players betraying their current employers to join their rivals, players leaving their clubs due to internal feuds, and so on. There have also been cases where the clear motives were monetary.
The players in the process have unfolded the wrath of their ex-employers and fans. But some fans still love their former players for what they helped them achieve over the course of their stay.
Here, we take a look at the top 5 controversial transfers that took place over the decade.
5. Neymar Jr: Santos to FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona signed Neymar from Santos in 2013 for a fee that is still debatable. It was reported that the Catalans coughed up €57.1 million for a teenager possessing massive potential.
After a series of investigations, Barcelona were forced to admit that the transfer fee they paid for the Brazilian was exceedingly higher. The actual transfer fee was an astronomical fee of €88.2 million and the Spanish giants were accused of evading taxes by the authorities.
The situation was embarrassing for Barca and the in the wake of the transfer scandal, Sandro Rosell, the president back then, was forced to resign.
Spain's tax authorities then forced Barcelona to pay €13.5 million plus the tax penalties. The Spanish giants even paid €6.4 million in uncovered contracts to Santos. Former President Joan Laporta claimed that the club paid over 100 million euros in legal fees over the entire scandal that unfolded in a bid to conceal the price the Catalans shelled out for the highly-rated Brazilian.
4. Robin van Persie: Arsenal to Manchester United
Robin van Persie stunned everyone in England when he decided to leave Arsenal after eight long years to join Manchester United in 2012. The Dutchman joined the Red Devils for a reported fee of €30.7 million.
Van Persie was the captain of Arsenal back then and his departure to their arch rivals unleashed the wrath of fans. The player claimed that the chance to work under Sir Alex Ferguson motivated him to make the switch.
The 36-year-old scored 26 goals in the Premier League in his maiden season at Old Trafford. He was quite vital to United's successful campaign as they lifted their 20th Premier League title.
His time at Manchester United was reasonably successful as he scored 58 goals in the 105 appearances he made for them before leaving the club in 2015.
Also Read: 5 players who left Arsenal to find success
3. Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid C.F to Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo did the unthinkable as he left Real Madrid seeking new pastures and joined Juventus in 2018. The Bianconeri shelled out a whopping €117 million for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Real Madrid were merely over the news of Zinedine Zidane leaving the club when Ronaldo broke the hearts of Madridistas by announcing his departure. It was quite a shocking move as Los Blancos had just won their 4th UCL title in 5 years.
There were numerous reports claiming the Portuguese decided to leave the club after a feud with Florentino Perez over his tax evasion scandal. The 34-year-old wanted the club to back him publicly and pay off his dues which did not happen. Other reports claimed that there were issues pertaining to a new contract and Real wanting to bring in Neymar.
But both parties have been claiming that Ronaldo's move was influenced by his motivation of looking for new challenges. But Ronaldo had hinted that Perez had a part to play as he said he did not feel indispensable at the club. Guess we will have to wait some more time until either party reveals more about the whole situation.
Also Read: Real Madrid's team of the decade (2010-2019)
2. Antoine Griezmann: Atletico Madrid to FC Barcelona
Antoine Griezmann left Atletico Madrid to join FC Barcelona in 2019 for a staggering fee of €120 million. The Frenchman was linked with a move to the Catalans in 2018 as well. But he ended up staying in Madrid after announcing his decision through a documentary named 'La Decision'.
Rojiblancos offered a new contract and captaincy to their star striker in a bid to fend off interest from Barca. But the player eventually decided to quit the club and join Barca.
Even this year, his transfer ended up in controversy as Atletico accused Barca of approaching the player unlawfully. The Madrid based club alleged that Griezmann signed a pre-contract agreement to move to Camp Nou back in March without the knowledge of officials at Atletico.
Barcelona was dragged to the court over the matter and were found guilty of approaching the player without the knowledge Diego Simeone or the club officials.
Also Read: Antoine Griezmann requests Barcelona fans to keep faith in him
1. Neymar Jr: Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain
Neymar Jr made a sensational switch from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for an astonishing fee of €222 million in 2017. The Brazilian, on a quest to become the best player in the world, traded the Spanish giants for the French Champions.
The Parisians wanted to negotiate the price for the starlet but Barca cut them no slack. Fed up of the talks, PSG decided to end all negotiations and trigger Neymar's release clause. Barcelona tried everything in their power to convince the player; be it luring in his national teammate Philippe Coutinho or asking Barca players to alter his mind but Neymar just would not budge.
The offer from PSG was quite lucrative as he was offered to become one of the highest-paid players. Moreover, he was assured that the whole team would be built around him.
Despite claims made by senior Barca members including Gerard Pique that the Brazilian would be staying, he left to fulfil his dreams and PSG were successful in their quest. The French champions showed their might off the field as they pulled off one of the craziest transfers of all time.
