Loyalty in modern football is rarer than before as a lot of money is being thrown around in the transfer window on player signing and wages....CONTINUE READING
However, some players have been able to challenge what has become the status quo in the past decade by staying at a particular club for more than seven years. We would be taking a look at a few of them in this article.
In Europe’s big clubs, Barcelona midfielder, Sergio Busquets is the longest-serving football star. The Spanish midfielder graduated from the famed La Masia academy and since breaking into the first team in 2008, he has been a mainstay in the team. This season is his 15th season at the club.
Real Madrid star, Karim Benzema is another player who has proven his loyalty by staying at a single club for a long time. The Frenchman is in his 14th year at Santiago Bernabeu and with the club not willing to let him go soon, he could as well retire at the club.
Bayern Munich legend, Thomas Muller is another player who has shown loyalty to a particular club. The German international graduated from the German Bundesliga club’s academy and since breaking into the team in 2009, he has been a mainstay. He has spent more than 13 years at the German club.
Spanish midfielder and Atletico Madrid legend, Koke is another player who has spent the majority of his career at a single club. The Spanish international is in his 12th year at the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium.
Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson and Manchester United goalkeeper, David De Gea are also players who have proven their loyalty to a club with a long-term stay. Both stars have spent 11 years at their current clubs. Veteran Barcelona defender, Jordi Alba has also spent 11 years with the La Liga giants.
Chelsea captain, Cesar Azpiliqueta and Paris Saint-Germain midfield star, Marco Verratti are football stars who have spent nine years with their current clubs.
