02 Jul 2015 13:03:25
Alot of people on here seemed to think players only move to where the money is and won't join us because we are manchester united. Do you think then that players don't join Madrid or barca because they are who they are? Because when players we were interested go to Madrid its definitely not because they are paying them more than us is it? It's because they are Madrid??
02 Jul 2015 13:35:06
i just mentioned a bit lower down, i think the spanish way of life is a big draw for a lot of the foreign players too. to us fans it wouldn't make a difference if united played in outer mongolia, if we had the chance to play for them we would but if you have no feeling for the club then destination makes a huge difference, plus they'll be winning titles at madrid and barca too as they would at united.
it's not as though they are choosing destinations where they aren't going to win anything (well apart from the few who went to play in russia)
02 Jul 2015 13:35:56
its a bit of both, but players follow the money
02 Jul 2015 13:56:39
The lure of Spain for Latino and South Americans has always been huge. Recently with the coverage of overseas football being televised and with Barca and Madrid becoming powerhouses we have seen the modern day footballer crave their badge. Look at Bale for example, he was wearing a Madrid top at the age of 5 years old such is the modern world.
No one doubts that the name of the club be that United, Madrid, Barca or whomever plays a part in bringing in a player but the ultimate factor in the modern game is the amount of cash on offer. On top of that there is this new craze where players and their families are choosing clubs by location and not to offend anyone but Manchester is well, pretty drab and bleak compared to other parts of the world.
All in all, it's not only about cash being a draw card for players to certain clubs but money is the main factor for most indivduals making any decision in life in our modern society, not just football.
02 Jul 2015 13:59:03
It used to be that if Madrid, barca or united were after you, you went to them, I just can't help but feel we have lost that draw we had with fergie. Obviously helped winning the league but just realising how hard it's going to be to win the league again I would hate for us to do a Liverpool and become an average Club with a good history.
02 Jul 2015 14:17:51
Players move for several different reasons. One is money, at the end of the day playing football is their job and they will make decision based on the financial aspects involved. Another is location, where do you want to live, different factors will have an effect on this. Weather, culture, family and friend all play a part. Then there is career success and playing time and even playing position.
All of these things will play a role in a player deciding where they want to play. Different players will obviously value different things at varying levels.
But most players but especially foreign and Latin players will naturally been drawn towards the Spanish team due to climate and culture which will make it easier for them and their families to live there. Also with Barca being the current best team in the world and Madrids history especially in the Champions league there are big attractions to tempt players over a move to the wet cold north west of England.
Just one look at Di Maria will show how important it is for a player and his family to settle in the new country.
02 Jul 2015 14:20:49
IF you keep getting heatwaves over there it should be no issue ;)
02 Jul 2015 14:43:32
In May I went to Madrid for 4 days, did a stadium tour of the Bernabaeu and went to watch Athletico Madrid v Barca.
Best short trip I've ever been on, Madrid is one of the nicest places I've ever been to and I think as a footballer I'd be well beyond cloud 9 if I was told I'll be living in Madrid and playing there. Not to mention the food, weather and how friendly the people were!
Their stadium is no better than ours on appearance but what a place. Miles better than Manchester in so many ways. If you didn't have an affiliation to play for either team and you just wanted to live in the best place then as a city Madrid is 10 times better than Manchester on the whole.
My wife went to Barcelona and thought it was the nicest city she's ever been to.
02 Jul 2015 14:56:55
I've been to Madrid a few times and must admit I have enjoyed the culture etc but the city itself is very dirty.
02 Jul 2015 16:04:39
All cities can be dirty depending on where you go JMB.