10 Players Who Rejected Real Madrid

In light of Manchester United’s trophy rush in the 1990s and 2000s, a cue of pundits and players ranging from Eric Cantona to Ray Wilkins via Dimitar Berbatov, have all lined up to remark that the only way for someone to go after leaving the club is down.

Undoubtedly, many careers have arguably gone on to bigger and better things at other clubs – Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid a prime example.

Had it not been for a change of heart and destination to play for his boyhood club, Celtic, Roy Keane could’ve become a Galactico, once again reuniting him with long-time teammate David Beckham.

Keane’s agent Michael Kennedy facilitated much of the move, speaking to Real sporting director Emilio Butragueno, who in turn spoke to the Irishman of his desire for his signature. Subsequently, Keane argued on his autobiography “that I should’ve appreciated the Real offer more. It was the most attractive challenge in front of me but I didn’t accept it.

“The weather and the training could’ve given me another lease of life, another two years of playing.”

“I took a negative approach. As much as anything else, it was the fear that decided me – the fear of the unknown.”

Having rejected the chance of playing in Spain, he opted for Scotland instead, where he lasted a mere six months before retirement.