This is the problem. They want to be THE big fish in their pond, they don't want to be a big fish and have to share the pond with others. Take Bale for example, at Spurs he's the star player, he's the big name and he's the media darling. If he were to go to Real Madrid, he'd be one of many star players, he wouldn't be the biggest draw in the side and he certainly wouldn't be guaranteed a place in the starting XI.
You obviously dislike loyalty to one club robbie? As many have said only the top few clubs can pay wages to match most teams in England. I don't think they are scared to play abroad for anything other than finances as a few go to the MLS and are now being linked to china etc in their twilight. Not many Germans leave the Bundesliga..are they **** too?
No, loyalty is a commendable trait, up to a point. What I don't understand is settling for less than your potential best when you have the talent to aim for the top. "Loyalty" can be a convenient excuse for lacking the courage to dare to improve even more by broadening your experience and learning from doing so.
And the two examples you posted about were SAF and Giggs? Pretty sure 99% of professional footballers or managers would swap careers with them..?
I don't think you are right about few Germans playing abroad. There has been a low period for German football in recent years, now clearly over, but previous to that you would find far more German players in Italy and Spain than British. Two current examples: Ozil and Khedira at Real Madrid.
Maybe 99% would. But the best are the other 1%. Why did SAF not WANT to manage AC Milan or Real Madrid and not rest until he'd done so and succeeded?
I rate success with how long you've been with a club. Been thinking about this for a while and I still can't understand how you prove yourself by going to abroad. If I was a footballer, I'd want to be at a club I'm happy with.
I think people are confusing loyalty with personal drive and the courage to test yourself in an 'unsafe' environment. Loyalty is commendable, of course. But what we're talking about here is the top English players not being prepared to take the gamble of testing themselves at the very highest level, and showing that they can adapt to different playing styles/different cultures. In recent times, really only Beckham has backed himself to be able to play at any club and be the equal of the other star players at the club. You might say that Gerrard, Giggs etc have taken a very safe and easy route through their career.
Probably $ plays a big part in this too. We've seen that even Norwich can compete with salaries in some Euro leagues. Very few clubs will be able to match a Lampard or Rooney salary. Short of taking a pay day in Russia or China unless Madrid want you you're going to earn much more in the PL. $ aside, have to say I'm really surprised more players haven't taken the plunge. Managers too. I remember back in the day when Marseille white-washed all the graffitti off their stadium, they left one bit - "Chris Waddle est magique". It can really work. I just don't see the risk. Imagine if Bale went for it and it doesn't work out, there will still be interest back in the PL.
And another big plus is that his brothers Mrs lives local for a bunkup! I think someone else made a good point, could it be that in other countries drinking, partying and roasting are more frowned upon and the appeal is deminished. Its probably the same abroad but a PL player only need to walk in a club buy some crystal and there will be a queue of wannabe wags from the VIP area three times round the block. And are foreign hookers old enough and ugly enough for Rooney?
But the English players are already testing themselves at the highest level..in their own country. Until the last 2 years the PL was so dominant it was unreal. We are hardly talking about players taking an easy pay day in the MLS to avoid Spain.
Testing themselves, to their own satisfaction apparently. And that is my point. They are satisfied without having attempted to prove themselves anywhere else, in different teams, with different styles asking different questions and imposing different demands on them. Gerrard is a classic example. Oh, yes!, exemplary loyalty; but a career spent entirely at Liverpool, a team for the most part in the doldrums, not at all the Liverpool which dominated in earlier decades. WHY is he satisfied with that? Anyway, thanks to all who have contributed. As usual there are widely contrasting opinions -- but at least we've thought about something other than rumours and gossip for at least part of one day!
In the same respect are Xavi and Iniesta and all probability Messi in the 99% for not going out of their comfort zones in another league?
Messi is only 26 and I wouldn't be surprised to see him move elsewhere. The contrast between his club and international performances should be telling him that there are questions he needs to answer that he can't answer at Barcelona. Xavi and Iniesta are different and yes, I do think there is an issue. In their case though, the years at the very top have come later in their careers and they have run out of time. Completely different to, e.g. Gerrard (who should have moved long ago) and Rooney.
But the thing with Gerrard being a Loserpool fan and playing legend, he probably dreams of being the one who brings back the former glories to loserpool. I as a Norwich fan, were I to have made it as a professional, would find it meaning a hell of a lot more if I could win and have success with my team. Obviously as a Norwich fan/player if you are truely world class fan or not, you would I guess have to move on as with a short career £25K or £150K with a chance of winning something and representing your country elsewhere makes sense. Gerrard until the last couple of years still probably believed in Loserpool. But with his appeal to top clubs gone now he is stuck with what ifs. Lets face it a champions league winners medal means he will not be to upset at his decision but the league eluded him! Bah!
