Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have made an unfortunate habit of stealing some of our top talents…
Former Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United stars are all included as we count down the ten former icons of Premier League football that we wish hadn’t moved away. Click through our list below and tell us which player you wish was still strutting his stuff in the English top flight!
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10) Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea, now Wolfsburg)
The 23-year-old barely got a look in during his time at Chelsea, making just three Premier League appearances in two years, but the Belgian has thrived since his move to Germany. His performances has even inspired rumours of the Blues looking into buying him back.
9) Paul Pogba (Manchester United, now Juventus)
The former United academy graduate made the surprise decision to leave Old Trafford in 2012, after just three Premier League appearances. He joined Italian giants Juventus, helping lead them to back-to-back titles and establishing himself as one of the most promising players around.
8) Javier Mascherano (Liverpool, now Barcelona)
The Argentine is undoubtedly one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, and has been since his early days at Liverpool. The 30-year-old helped the Reds reach the Champions League final in 2007, before winning the competition with Barcelona in 2011.
7) Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United, now Paris Saint Germain)
Cabaye was exceptional during his brief time in England, scoring 17 goals in his 79 Premier League appearances for Newcastle and helping them record a surprise fifth place finish in 2012. Unfortunately, he’s struggled for first-team chances since his move to PSG.
6) Luka Modric (Tottenham Hotspur, now Real Madrid)
The 29-year-old Croatian international has become an integral part of Madrid’s team since his move from North London in 2012 – but it was at Tottenham where he made his name, winning the club’s player of the year in 2011 and becoming a firm fan favourite.
5) Arjen Robben (Chelsea, now Bayern Munich)
Robben has seemingly found his second home at Munich. The Dutchman somewhat struggled during his time with both Chelsea and Real Madrid, at least compared to the unparalleled success he’s since enjoyed in the German capital, where he moved in 2009.
4) Xabi Alonso (Liverpool, now Bayern Munich)
Liverpool fans will no doubt always remember the Steven Gerrard – Xabi Alonso midfield partnership, and the run to the Champions League success of 2005. After another fine spell in his career with Real Madrid, Alonso is now in Munich, looking to add more medals to his collection.
3) Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur, now Real Madrid)
Bale made a slow start to life at Tottenham, and it’s hard to believe that less than a decade ago he was struggling to make an impact at White Hart Lane. In 2013, the Welshman became the world’s most expensive footballer, and has since enjoyed plenty of success in Madrid.
2) Luis Suarez (Liverpool, now Barcelona)
The Premier League’s top scorer last season. The Uruguayan might have remained a source of controversy throughout his time in England, but there was never any doubting his talent. His form is now starting to pick up at Barcelona, and everyone is surely watching on enviously.
1) Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, now Real Madrid)
The three-time world player of the year was great at Manchester United, but even Madrid can’t have predicted just how exceptional his record would be for them. Ronaldo has scored 291 goals in 282 games for the club, since his move in 2009, and is still eager for more.