Players Who Went on Strike to Force a Transfer
Several high-profile footballers have taken drastic measures to force their way out of clubs, often leading to dramatic and sometimes controversial situations. From refusing to play to holding out for better deals, these players have shown that they are not afraid to take matters into their own hands.
Dimitar Berbatov
In 2008, Manchester United was keen on signing Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov. However, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy refused to let the player leave, leading to a tense standoff. Berbatov responded by refusing to play in a London derby against Chelsea. The situation escalated when Levy complained to the Premier League about United’s transfer dealings, which Sir Alex Ferguson called “embarrassing.” Eventually, Berbatov moved to Manchester United for £30 million on deadline day.
Diego Costa
When Antonio Conte, then manager of Chelsea, sent Diego Costa a text saying he wasn’t in his plans, it was a harsh move. Costa, however, didn’t back down. He stayed in Brazil, waiting for a move to Atletico Madrid, which eventually happened in January 2018. His refusal to play for Chelsea created an unusual situation where the club wanted to keep him but also didn’t want to sell him.
Dimitri Payet
In 2016, West Ham’s Dimitri Payet decided he wanted to return to Marseille. Despite having recently signed a new contract worth £100,000 per week, he refused to play for the Hammers. He claimed he was bored with the defensive style of play under Slaven Bilic. Payet eventually got his move, and the situation remains a sensitive topic in east London.
Leonardo Ulloa
After winning a Premier League title with Leicester City, Leonardo Ulloa was desperate to move to Sunderland. He even refused to play for the Foxes. Claudio Ranieri, then manager of Leicester, did the Argentine a favor by not letting him leave, as Sunderland finished at the bottom of the league and took eight years to return to the Premier League.
Raheem Sterling
In 2015, Raheem Sterling was clearly eager to join Manchester City after rejecting several contract offers from Liverpool. When the Reds said no, he refused to go on their pre-season tour. His agent, Aidy Ward, went as far as calling Jamie Carragher a “knob” to push the transfer through.
William Gallas
In 2006, William Gallas felt he wasn’t being paid enough by Chelsea and wanted to leave. He even told Jose Mourinho that he would score own goals or make mistakes if selected. Gallas eventually left for Arsenal, and the deal saw Ashley Cole move in the opposite direction.
Marcos Rojo
When Marcos Rojo tried to force a move to Manchester United in 2014, he refused to train at Sporting Lisbon. This led to Juan Sebastian Veron, a former player, getting involved and scolding him. Rojo eventually joined United but had to wait for his debut due to a criminal charge in Argentina.
Clint Dempsey
Clint Dempsey wanted to leave Fulham in 2012, much to the frustration of manager Martin Jol. A website linked to Liverpool published a false story claiming he had signed for them. Dempsey ended up moving to Tottenham on deadline day.
Sebastien Squillaci
In 2010, Sebastien Squillaci refused to play in a Champions League qualifier for Sevilla against Braga, hoping to secure a move to Arsenal. He was still named in the starting XI, which led to criticism. He eventually joined Arsenal, though he struggled during his time there.
Carlos Tevez
Carlos Tevez once refused to come off the bench during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich. After being suspended and fined, he returned to Argentina. His agent attempted to negotiate a move to AC Milan, but the deal fell through. Tevez eventually returned to Manchester City and helped them win the Premier League.
Pierre van Hooijdonk
In 1997, Pierre van Hooijdonk wanted to leave Nottingham Forest for PSV Eindhoven. However, manager Dave Bassett offered a compromise, allowing him to stay until the end of the season. When Newcastle offered £10 million, Bassett demanded more, which Van Hooijdonk found unreasonable. He eventually returned to the Netherlands, leaving Bassett upset.
These stories highlight how some players are willing to go to great lengths to achieve their goals, often creating controversy and tension within the football world. Whether through strikes, refusing to play, or negotiating behind the scenes, these players have made their mark in unique ways.
