5 football players who remained friends despite playing for rival teams
Football is more than a sport for many of us. Apart from being entertainment, we have great emotional attachment towards the sport that it's become a vital part of our lives. We learn a lot about life from the sport itself. We learn about passion, team spirit, a never-say-die spirit and above all, the importance of friendship.
Over the years, we have seen many bromances in the game of football however, some of them stand out. Many players have remained friends despite playing for arch rivals which makes their friendship even more special. On the occasion of international friendship day, we take a look at 10 such players who broke the barriers created by the colour of the jersey they wear to show us true friendship.
#5 Raul and Carles Puyol
Two of the greatest players of their generation, Carles Puyol and Raul Gonzalez are two of the most respected players on the planet. Their friendship began during their time with the national team. Although Raul shot to fame in the late 90s, Puyol quickly caught up in the early 2000s.
They were the respective captains of fierce rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona but remained friends off the pitch. Their friendship is built on mutual respect as they often praise each other. Puyol who was a vital part of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad said, “He was the captain when Spain was struggling and that's when captains prove how important they are," about Raul.
Raul, on the other hand, said: “Puyol is the kind of player you want by your side playing with you, he should be cloned”. The two legends led their clubs with grace and their respect towards each other will be remembered as one of the nicer things you would see during a Clasico.