10 Signings Real Madrid Want You To Forget About

6. Walter Samuel

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)
John Walton/EMPICS Sport

Walter Samuel is somewhat of a throwback when it comes to centre-backs: his tough, forceful nature and ability to read the game have earned him the nickname 'Il Muro' (The Wall). 

The Argentinian was regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world during his time at Roma, and his talent did not go unnoticed, with Real Madrid launching a successful £15m bid for him. 

Samuel arrived in Spain in 2004, and made no impact whatsoever in the Madrid first team. He was simply not the same player he was at Roma, and after 30 appearances for Los Blancos, he was sold back to Italy and Inter Milan for a cut-price fee £11m, and went on to stay with the Italian giants for nine successful years.

At 37 years of age, Samuel now plays his football in Switzerland for FC Basel. Real Madrid was a small blip in an otherwise glittering career, which included 56 international caps, six Serie A titles and a Champions League. 

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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.