Year of the Legends

This year has brought tears to many people's eyes, but sometimes this does not occur because of a relegation or losing a title race, but solely because a particular player has left a club. Even though some of these players were rivals of my favourite club, I cannot help but feel respect for these men which have left their mark in football history.

Alessandro Del Piero - This man holds both the all-time goal-scoring record and also the all-time highest-capped Juventus player. Since joining La Vecchia Signora back in 1993, he has gone on to make more than 500 appearances for Juventus, scoring over 200 goals. Despite these records, the Bianconeri president decided not to offer a renewal, leaving Del Piero surprised and with no choice but to continue playing elsewhere. Reports say he is headed either in the MLS (Major League Soccer) or the EPL (English Premier League).

Didier Drogba - Starting his career in France, this powerful striker moved to Chelsea from Marseille for a record fee of £24 million in 2004. Many questioned Mourinho's sanity, but he calmly told them to judge him when he left, and there is no doubt he is worth every penny. In his 8 years at Chelsea, the Ivorian has made over 200 appearances and scoring 100 goals, with the last netted goal helping Chelsea secure their first ever UEFA Champions League.

Alessandro Nesta - Considered by many as one of the best centre-backs to have played the game, this Italian joined Milan in 2002 for a fee of €30 million after financial difficulties forced Lazio to sell several of their best players. In his 10-year spell at the Rossoneri, his career was halted by persistent injuries, but he still made a name for himself with over 200 appearances. On 10 May 2012, he announced that he will not continue to play for Milan, and will continue his career outside Europe, probably in the MLS.

Clarence Seedorf - Acknowledged as the first player to have won the Champions League with 3 different clubs, this Dutch midfielder joined Milan in a part-exchange deal with rivals Inter (Francesco Coco was given to Inter). Some under-estimate his influence, but it is a fact that this player is a symbol to the Rossoneri club, evidenced by his 300 appearances for Milan. On the 13th of May, he declared that the game against Novara was the last one in a Milan shirt, and that he will continue his career elsewhere.