Crossing the divide: Players who have transferred to rival clubs

 

With the ongoing Robin van Persie transfer saga and a potential move to Manchester United in the works, let’s take a look at some other players who have also moved to rival clubs in the Premier League, tainting their names, losing the support and respect of their former fans and employees, in the process.

Ashley Cole

Ashley Cole.

Ashley Cole was arguably the best left back in the world in 2005 and with an FA Cup win over Manchester United, the England international had now won 8 trophies with his boyhood club.

However, after being offered a minimal salary in his contract extension, which nearly made Cole crash his car after hearing the offer from his agent, things turned sour between Cole and the club officials.

Cole soon joined Chelsea for £5 million  and William Gallas joining the Arsenal ranks, a year after the FA fined both Cole and Chelsea for discussing a possible move to Chelsea without the knowledge of the Gunners. He has been booed ever since by the Arsenal faithful – however, he relishes it.