Milan Baros must have thought all his Christmasses had come true over the course of three weeks. He and his Czech Republic team-mates may have been shattered and disconsolate in the dressing-room following their shock Euro 2004 exit at the hands of Greece, but in the back of Baros mind, he knew he had a lot to look forward to that summer. Over the course of a month, the 22 year old striker had transformed from Liverpool flop to European strike sensation, having bagged the Euro 2004 Golden Boot with five goals. No longer would he be banished to the Anfield bench, with European heavyweights swarming for his signature.
''Something happened during the European Championship. Mr Paska called me at the weekend and told me about it. It would certainly be a great challenge. It is only an offer. I still have a contract and go back there on 19 July. - Milan Baros, July 2004.
Real Madrid presidential election candidate Lorenzo Sanz, looking to regain the power he lost after losing the 2000 election to Florentino Perez, was adamant that he would deliver the stars of Euro 2004 to the Santiago Bernabeu.
''We reached an agreement with Baros, Rosicky and Maniche as well as recovering a player who would never return to Real Madrid with Florentino Perez there, Samuel Etoo. - Lorenzo Sanz, July 2004.
Sanz was never elected, and Baros Spanish dreams died a death, as he was consigned to a career of mediocrity, with the likes of Aston Villa, Portsmouth and hometown club Banik Ostrava. Although with 41 goals in 93 internationals, he certainly proved to have the Midas touch for his country. So that's a wrap - what do you think? Have there been any glaring omissions? As always, feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
