Raheem Sterling has been linked with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich…
Raheem Sterling could be ready to join the ranks of British players who have plied their trade abroad. Bayern Munich have now joined Real Madrid in showing an interest in the 20-year-old contract rebel, although reports in the Independent explain that the Reds are still confident of keeping him.
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If the potential move to Germany or Spain were to become a reality for Sterling, he would certainly have plenty to live up to. Here are eleven of the best British players from abroad, which come via Sky Sports.
11) Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
Became the world’s most expensive player when he joined Madrid last year, and won the Copa del Rey and the La Liga in his debut season, scoring in both finals.
10) Graeme Souness (Sampdoria)
After an illustrious seven-year spell at Liverpool in which he won five First Division titles and three European Cups, Souness joined Sampdoria. He won the Coppa Italia before joining Rangers two years later.
9) David Platt (Bari / Juventus / Sampdoria)
Bari splashed out £5.5m to sign Platt from Aston Villa in 1991, but a £6.5m move to Juventus soon followed. Despite picking up a UEFA Cup winner’s medal, Platt was excluded from the matchday squad for the final and soon joined Sampdoria, also winning the Coppa Italia.
8) Glenn Hoddle (AS Monaco)
In his debut campaign, Hoddle helped Monaco win their first Ligue 1 title in six years, firing Arsene Wenger’s side above Bordeaux. On a personal level Hoddle enjoyed even more success in his second season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions.
7) David Beckham (Real Madrid / LA Galaxy / AC Milan / PSG)
Won the La Liga title in his final game for Madrid before winning two MLS Cups with LA Galaxy. Enjoyed a productive loan spell with AC Milan before finishing his career his Paris.
6) Gary Lineker (Barcelona)
He scored 21 goals in his first season, including a hat-trick in El Clasico as Barca beat Real Madrid 3-2. He played a part in the team’s Copa del Rey success in 1988 and European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph in 1989.
5) Paul Lambert (Borussia Dortmund)
Aston Villa boss Lambert recently that his year at Borussia Dortmund ‘changed his whole life’ as he became the first Scottish player ever to win Europe’s elite competition with a foreign club.
4) Kevin Keegan (Hamburg)
After becoming the highest-paid player in Germany and replacing popular forward Horst Blankenburg at Hamburg, Keegan initially found it difficult to settle, although he’d turn it around with the 1978 Ballon d’Or award and the German title the following year.
3) Chris Waddle (Marseille)
Waddle is still revered in France after spending three hugely successful years at Marseille following his switch from Spurs. Waddle reached his peak in France and his cocky style was a huge hit with fans as Marseille won three successive Ligue 1 titles.
2) Steve McManaman (Real Madrid)
McManaman embraced his opportunity in Madrid, becoming fluent in Spanish and establishing himself as a fans’ favourite. He went on to win two La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns in four years, as well as the man of the match award in the 2000 final.
1) John Charles (Juventus)
Charles ended his debut season as the Serie A top scorer with 28 goals as Juventus were crowned champions. The Wales international was named Italian Player of the Year for his efforts and added two more Scudetti and two Coppa Italias during his five-year stay. In 2001 he became the first non-Italian inducted to the Azzurri Hall of Fame.
SEE ALSO: Liverpool transfer news