10 Premier League players that fans were happy to see leave their club
Some transfers just don’t work out. Call it the law of averages, but not everyone can be a success story. Players arrive at a new club amidst a barrage of excitement, fanfare and expectation and fans expect results right away, particularly if the player has come with a large price tag attached or is receiving a hefty wage packet.If they don’t hit the ground running, they can find themselves being swiftly ushered in the direction of the exit – just ask Radamel Falcao. But not every player is willing to go softly into the night, drop down a level or slash their exorbitant wages – some will stick around to the bitter end.Here are 10 Premier League players that fans were happy to see leave their club.
#10 Anderson
There was considerable excitement when Anderson arrived at Old Trafford for the fee of £30 million back in 2007. The midfielder had impressed during spells with Gremio and Porto and it was hoped that here was a Brazilian who could finally erase the memory of his compatriot Kleberson’s disastrous spell at the club.
The early omens were good with Anderson putting in a series of combative performances in the centre of the park culminating in him converting his spot-kick in the penalty shootout in the 2008 Champions League Final in Moscow. Unfortunately, it was all downhill from there.
Some have laid the blame of the former Brazil international’s decline at the feet of Sir Alex Ferguson who allegedly tried to curb the young midfielder’s attacking instincts, but it must be noted that there has also been consistent question marks over Anderson’s professional acumen and his desire to succeed at the top level throughout his career.
Anderson didn’t fit into the plans of Ferguson’s successor, David Moyes, who sent him out on loan to Fiorentina and he finally ended his seven and a half year association with the club with a January transfer to Internacional. Despite boasting a fine haul of trophies from his time at Manchester United, the Brazilian will be remembered as a player who never reached his full potential.