Football stars of today, often stick around with their club and try to move on to some ‘˜bigger’ club in search of fame, stardom and more playing time.
Football stars of today, often stick around with their club and try to move on to some ‘bigger’ club in search of fame, stardom and more playing time.
At times, a dispute between the player and the manager is also the reason why the former takes the exit route from the club. But there are some special ones that stay put even in hard times.
These players have grown up in the football club, nurtured and went on to represent their national sides as well.
Italian stalwart and Juventus icon Gianluigi Buffon is set to make his 500th Serie A appearance for the ‘Old Lady’ against Genoa on Wednesday. The Stopper will be wearing a special armband inscribed with the No 500 to mark the landmark match.
Just as ‘Gigi’ Buffon makes a grand entry in the veteran club, we take a look at footballers who have been a driving force at a club for many years.
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United/England)
One of England’s brightest talents and Manchester United’s driving force, Wayne Rooney is a club veteran at the ‘Theatre Of Dreams’. After being handed the armband by current manager Louis Van Gaal, Rooney is looking to take this team forward after last season’s turmoil under David Moyes. Having being signed by Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2004, Rooney has made 313 appearances for the Red Devils with 161.
Ryan Giggs (Manchester United/Wales)
Belonging from the ‘Class of 92’ Welsh winger Ryan Giggs played a marathon of 672 games for Manchester United before hanging up the boots in 2014. Now being handed an assistant role with Van Gaal, ‘Giggsy’ is one of the favourites at Old Trafford. Ryan Giggs was a winger who went on to score 114 goals for the prestigious club.
Raul (Real Madrid/Spain)
Spanish club Real Madrid have attracted some of the top names in the world of football but none better than their own talent, Raul. The Spanish starlet made his debut in 1994 and went onto represent in 550 games for the Los Blancos with 228 goals. The forward then moved on to Germany with Schalke before deciding to hang up his boots in Qatar with local club, Al Sadd.
Xavi (Barcelona/Spain)
Another Spanish club giant that boasts load of talent is Barcelona. One of their own prodigies went on to become a veteran and a national hero – Xavi Hernandez. The creative midfielder has made 479 appearances for the Catalan club and scored 57 goals. With the likes of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta in the squad, Xavi is bound to create history!
Frank Lampard (Chelsea/England)
Even though ‘Lamps’ scored a goal for Manchester City against Chelsea, the midfielder had a muted celebration as a mark of respect for the London club. With 429 appearances and 142 goals, Frank Lampard remains a cult figure at the Stamford Bridge and a fan favourite.
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich/Germany)
The World Cup winner, Bastian Schweinsteiger is a club legend. With 322 games and 40 goals, Bastian remains a key figure at the elite club that has blossomed under the managerial system of Pep Guardiola.
Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Argentina)
3-time Ballon D’Or winner Lionel Messi in another mention for the ‘veteran’ list. Ever since his debut in 2004, Messi continues to enthral the fans the world over with his skill, artistry on the pitch and suave looks. With 285 matches in the Barca jersey, Messi has amassed 250 goals uptill now and might add some more in the future.
