10 footballers ruined by big money moves to major clubs

Footballers don’t just need their physical and technical attributes to succeed in their careers. They also need to be mentally tough and have a bit of luck on their side. They need to make sure that they take the right decisions at the right time and don’t rush into a move just for the money.While players like Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Didier Drogba and Robin van Persie took their careers to the next level after their big money moves, there were many others who saw their careers stalled. They were either unlucky with injuries, had problems settling into their new environment or just couldn’t perform under the pressure.Here are the top 10 footballers who were ruined by their big money moves to major clubs:

#10 Alexandre Pato

Pato arrived in Italy from Brazilian club Internacional after being touted as the most exciting teenager in world football. He had an excellent turn of pace and dazzling quick feet with which he lit up the San Siro.

But his early promise faded after he suffered persistent muscular injuries wherein he damaged the same hamstring three times in 12 months. Unfortunately for Pato, the medical team at the club were unable to diagnose the cause for this problem.

In his last two seasons at Milan, he managed just one league goal in 15 appearances. That was enough to persuade Milan to cut their losses and offload him to Sao Paulo. 

Pato is still young for a striker and is yet to hit his peak. Can he get back to his best in China?