Lets have a look at some of the Beautiful Games' contributors who have stayed loyal to one club. We pay homage to these footballers and recognise their contributions to the club they've called their own.
The 37yr old has spent 19years at Juventus. The Old Lady's lover, if ever we knew one. The moment which probably underlined his ability and announced to the Turin faithful the arrival of a new hero, was probably against Fiorentina in 1994 where he elegantly scored the winner, latching onto a 50yard pass and volleying it home with a first-time effort. This also signalled the end of Roberto Baggio and the beginning of Del Piero. It would not have been difficult for him to leave Juve after the Calciopoli scandal, but he opted to stay on and brought his side back up to Serie A after they were banished to the second tier of Italian football for their involvement in the scandal. This underlines his commitment to the club.
16years and counting at the Nerazzuri for the Argentine midfielder [who is quite capable at fullback as well]. He is fast approaching 800appearances for the club and at age 38 doesn't look too keen on hanging up his boots just yet. He has lifted the Serie A title no fewer than five times with four Coppa Italia's and one UEFA Champions League as well. Javier is still one of the fittest footballers around and has earned his nickname 'El Tractor' for his driving runs, stamina and strength on the ball. A true patriot who has given everything for Internazionale.
One of my favourite footballers. The Roma no.10 is closing in on 650appearances for the club from the capital. He is the all-time top scorer at the club as well as having the highest number of appearances. His 211th goal in January made him the player to score the most goals for one club in Serie A. His most prolific season was in '06 where he bagged 26goals for Giallorossi. In '08 he was awarded the Italian Footballer of the Year award for the 5th time. Despite sustaining a few serious injuries, he continues to perform at the highest level and lead from the front. The fans who gather in the Stadio Olimpico will struggle to find another cult-hero of the quality of Totti.
"That boy Giggsy has been nothing short of sublime" famous words uttered by Sir Alex Ferguson very early on in the [now illustrious] career of the wing wizard. A career which spans as far back as 1991, the 38yr old continues to contribute positively to the success of the club he holds so dearly. Having just surpassed the 900appearance mark [904 in fact], which is now more than the AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, it's amazing to think he still has it in him to glide past defenders with consummate ease. Its over a decade ago since he scored that famous FA Cup winner against the Arsenal, which I'd rate as my favourite goal of his. Its easy to see what all the hype is about when you consider Ryan has won the EPL on a record 12 occasions with 4 FA Cup triumphs and 2 UEFA Champions League victories. A master of his trade and a player that will go down as an Old Trafford legend.
Its easy to forget that this midfield maestro at one stage had to play second fiddle to Josep Guardiola and could so easily have grown despondent and moved on. He didn't and has now appeared the most times for the Catalan giants. Arguably the best pass-master of our time, he makes the ability to unlock even the tightest of defences look like child's play. An other product of the amazing La Masia, The Puppet Master continues to pull the strings from the heart of midfield. With 6 La Liga titles, 3 UEFA Champions Leagues and 1 Copa Del Rey the 32year old has achieved quite a bit at the Camp Nou and continues to contribute some of the finest football.
This write focused mainly on current contributors who have remained 'faithful' I'd like to mention the likes of Paolo Maldini who amassed 902appearances for AC Milan in a career which spanned from '84-'09.
It's fantastic to see that we still have a handful of footballers who aren't prepared to sell out, but rather stay true to the club that [pretty much] made them the world-renowned footballers they are today.
Maybe there is an I in Team?!
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