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Free transfers, sometimes referred to as Bosman transfers, are like manna from heaven, especially in a football world where owners do not scruple in lashing out millions to buy top quality players.
Although it is usually the big-money moves that hit the headlines, it is not always about splurging. The freebies also stand a good chance of bringing success to the club gratuitously.
While some free agents peter out with age and fail to live up to fans' expectations, a number of them manage to excel at their new settlements.
So without further ado, let us take a look at the top 5 free transfers of this decade.
#5 Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester United
Zlatan's transfer to Manchester United was nothing less than a shrewd bargain as he inspired The Red Devils to clinch the FA Community Shield, EFL Cup and UEFA Europa League in his first season for the club.
During the 2016-17 season, the 35-year-old managed 28 goals in 46 appearances along with 10 assists. The buzz-worthy move of the Swede fueled many brickbats. However, Zlatan was quick in silencing the critics with his back-to-back sensational performances.
As a result of this, he won the overwhelming support of the Red Army who convinced him to sign a new one-year contract. However, the latter half of his stint at Manchester was marred with unfortunate injuries due to which he only made 7 appearances before getting his contract terminated in March 2018.
All stats via transfermarkt
#4 Miroslav Klose: Bayern Munich to Lazio
Bayern Munich were mistaken when they thought that the German legend was past his prime and decided against renewing Klose's contract. Their fault was Lazio's gain when the club signed the German in 2011 on a three-year contract.
During his stint, the 33-year-old featured in 170 matches and managed 63 goals. He became the linchpin of The Eagles and also won them the Coppa Italia title in 2012-13 after beating the club's rivals, Roma, in the final.
Klose hanged up his boots in 2016 after becoming club's joint-highest non-Italian goalscorer of all-time.
#3 Paul Pogba: Manchester United to Juventus
Sir Alex Ferguson might be billed as 'the greatest manager of all-time' but his decision of letting Pogba go was undoubtedly a clanger.
The French prodigy established himself as one of the most promising young players in Europe during his spell at Juventus. The 23-year-old made 178 appearances for The Old Lady and won 4 Serie A and 2 Coppa Italia titles.
He was also part of the Serie A Team of the Year for 3 consecutive years and the prize-winner of the Golden Boy in 2013.
During his time in Turin, the Frenchman, together with Andrea Pirlo, helped Juventus create an impenetrable midfield. He was an important part of Antonio Conte's plans, and on a number of occasions, could not restrain himself from showering praise on the wunderkind.
Quite interestingly, Pogba returned to The Red Devils in 2016 for a world-record fee of £89million.
#2 Robert Lewandowski: Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich
After Mario Gotze's outrageous move to Bayern in 2013, Lewandowski followed suit in the following year, adding to the anger of the Dortmund fans.
The Pole had already merchandised himself as one of the best strikers when he singularly led Borussia Dortmund to 2013 UEFA Champions League Final and ended the 2013-14 Bundesliga season as the top goalscorer.
After his switch to Bayern Munich, the Bavarian helped the club win 4 consecutive Bundesliga titles, being the top goalscorer in two of the seasons. The 29-year-old has managed 150 goals for The Reds in the 194 appearances he has made so far.
The former Dortmund striker has been invariably lauded by football pundits for his spot-on finishing skills, making him a prolific goalscorer.
Lewandowski is one of the most sought-after strikers in the football world presently, with high-profile clubs such as Real Madrid and Chelsea craving The Pole's signature.
#1 Andrea Pirlo: AC Milan to Juventus
"When Andrea told me that he was joining us, the first thing I thought was: "God exists". A player of his level and ability, not to mention that he was free, I think it was the signing of the century!"
Gianluigi Buffon's aforementioned remarks on Pirlo's transfer to The Old lady sums up the reasons why this was arguably the best Bosman signing of the decade.
The dawn of Juventus' golden era and the onset of AC Milan's downfall can be partly ascribed to this shocking move of The Architect.
The Italian went on to amass 164 appearances for Juventus, managing 19 goals and 38 assists in the process. However, stats do not do justice to the impact he made on the club with his efficient passing ability, vision and creativity in the midfield.
During his time at the Allianz Stadium, Pirlo helped the club clinch 4 successive league titles before leaving for New York City FC in 2015.
