Earlier this week a seismic wave spread throughout the world as news circulated that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt had filed for divorce. After wiping the tears from our eyes almost immediately, we took a look at some of the messiest football's messiest ever breakups.
Johan Cryuff: Ajax to Feynoord (1983)
Johan Cryuff’s name is synonymous with Ajax. He won eight league titles and three European Cups during two spells with the Amsterdam club. Off the back of winning the 1982/83 Eredivisie, Cryuff was informed that he would no longer feature in the clubs plans the following season. He took that on board, packed his bags - and in typical Cryuff fashion - headed for Rotterdam to join bitter rivals Feyenoord where he would win a domestic double in the final season of his career.
Cryuff would later take charge as manager of Ajax the following year but the sight of him heisting the trophy aloft in De Kuip still leaves a bitter aftertaste in the mouths of those in Amsterdam.
John Robertson: Nottingham Forest to Derby County (1983)
The majority of controversial transfers will intensify a rivalry, potentially turn once heroes into villains. But few can claim to have ended legendary friendships quite likes John Robertson’s did in 1983.
When Robertson completed the short journey from Nottingham to Derby, many felt betrayed but none so much as Brian Clough.
The story goes, former-assistant and friend to Clough, Peter Taylor retired from duty at the City Ground before returning six months later to take control of ‘The Rams’. Taylor made it one of his first points of duty to sign John Roberton - who famously sealed the winner for Forest in the 1980 European Cup final.
Absolutely enraged by the fact that Taylor did not notify him about the deal, Clough wrote a piece in a tabloid newspaper which labelled his former colleague as a “snake in the grass” and dramatically proclaimed that;
“if his car broke down and I saw him thumbing a lift, I wouldn’t pick him up, I’d run him over.”
Maurice ‘Mo’ Johnston: Nantes to Rangers (1989)
Ah, Mo Johnston, the man who broke the taboo of Rangers signing Cathloic players when he left the west of France for Glasgow in 1989. Initially it may not seem like the most controversial deal in Scottish footballing history until you factor into account that he was a Celtic player for three seasons prior to his move to Nantes.
Apparently, Johnston verbally agreed to return to Parkhead before appearing in a blue shirt days later. The news came as shock to many, with the Glasgow Herald stating that, “Johnston is their [Rangers] first major Roman Catholic signing”. Which begs the question as to what would constitute as a ‘minor Roman Catholic’ – someone who just goes to mass at Christmas, possibly?
While many ‘Gers supporters demanded their season tickets back when Johnston signed, he would soon write himself into Old Firm folklore with a match-winning goal against Celtic.
Luis Figo: Barcelona to Real Madrid (2000)
Luis Figo, returned to the Camp Nou to a somewhat frosty reception. Need we say any more…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDeCyYju5dA
Sol Campbell: Arsenal to Tottenham Hotspur (2001)
In the eyes of Tottenham fans, Sol Campbell was considered a club legend – a man who could apparently do no wrong. Unless, of course, he was to run down his contract and move on a free transfer to rivals Arsenal. However, on July 3rd 2001, the ‘unthinkable’ happened. Therefore, Sol Campbell cemented his place as the ‘most hated figure in North London’ for an eternity.
Yet their moans may have fell on deaf ears as the English centre-half polished his Premier League medals while Queen's 'We Are The Champions' gently played in the background.
