10 Players Who Rejected Real Madrid

Watching back the year’s Champions League, it was clear to see Gianluigi Buffon’s dejected look at the final whistle. It was one that suggested that it may have been his best – and last – chance to win Europe’s top prize after 20 years of trying.

Buffon’s passion and commitment to the club were also evident when in 2006, it emerged that Los Blancos had made attempt to pry him away from Turin. Back then, Real thought that the demotion that Juventus to Serie B in the wake of the Calicipoli scandal and consequently the lack of Champions League for two seasons at least would be an opportune moment to tempt Buffon into a move to the Bernabeu.

Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson decided to do just that but for Buffon, loyalty won the day, stating that: "I have a really long contract with the Bianconeri until 2008, and I feel happy here in Italy."

Unlike the Vieira saga, Perez flatly denied any of the rumours circulated around in the Spanish media that Buffon’s arrival was imminent. Still, the thought that Buffon could’ve donned the keeper’s jersey at the Spanish giants, would’ve averted any sadness he felt in Cardiff, given Real’s recent success in the Champions League.