10 Signings Real Madrid Want You To Forget About

7. Emerson

Real Madrid's Thomas Gravesen of Denmark reacts during a 2nd round, 1st leg, Champions league soccer match against Arsenal at the Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Tuesday Feb. 21, 2006. Arsenal won the game 1-0. (AP Photo/Paul White)
Jasper Juinen/AP

Though Emerson had been outstanding at both Roma and Juventus, the Brazilian failed to live up to his reputation when Madrid paid a combined €20m for him and Fabio Cannavaro in July 2006. Life at Real Madrid was tough for the midfielder, given his fractious relationship with manager Fabio Capello and his poor performances on the pitch. 

It was reported in January 2007 that Emerson wanted out of Madrid, and would be willing to take a significant drop in salary to return to Italy. In spite of this, he remained a Madrid player until the end of the season, and won La Liga in his first year in Spain. 

Despite a slight upturn in fortunes, he was sold back to Italy the following season, with AC Milan taking a gamble that he could rediscover some form. His career never really recovered from there, with the Brazilian making only 33 further club career appearances at Milan and Santos before retiring in 2009. 

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Journalism student hopping between London and the North-East. Boxing enthusiast and Football Manager addict. Was diagnosed with supporting Sunderland AFC as a child.