As William Gallas has called it a day and decided to retire from the club football after more than 19 years of unmatched service to football, the Frenchman grabbed the opportunity to play for Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham during his 12 years in the Premier League. When he took the famous 10 number shirt for Arsenal after signing a 4-year contract in 2006-07 season, few would have imagined the former Chelsea man would take one further leap in his career to cater the needs for Tottenham defense. In addition to the famous shirt to put on his chest, Arsenal honored him with the captain’s armband but even that didn’t help when he decided to move to White Hart Lane.
#97934552 / gettyimages.com
And as the names mentioned below suggests, he wasn’t the first to do this kind of journey. So here are 5 more players that played for both the bitter rivals:-
Sol Campbell
After making 315 appearances for the North London side Tottenham, Sol Campbell decided to move to Arsenal. In the 315 appearances that he made for the club between 1992 and 2001, Campbell also managed 15 goals. However after moving to Arsenal in the summer of 2001-02, the Englishman joined the elite rank as he won a league double in the 2001-02 season with Arsenal. One more thing that differentiates him for the other players that chose this journey is the fact that he has captained both North London rivals.
While only a few number of people recognize this fact, the player who was termed as the next David Beckham played for both Tottenham and Arsenal. Although his performances for Tottenham have been under the spot-light, the Arsenal trainee played one senior game for the Gunners before moving to Tottenham. And after a disastrous spell at White Hart Lane, the midfielder decided to call a day at 29 years of age.
Emmanuel Adebayor
Although signed for a mere 3million pounds, the Baby Kanu and his performances during the Arsenal tenure were idolized as the Togolese International managed a decent 46 goals in 104 appearances for the club. However, what has been the point of our discussion, the Togolese International chosen a long journey to move from one corner of England to another. After Arsenal sold him to Manchester City after the economic boost at the Etihad, the African player of the year in 2008 moved to Real Madrid before choosing Tottenham as his permanent destination.
Pat Jennings
Although not a name that is familiar to the modern football fans, the goal-keeper is one of the few who played for both Tottenham and Arsenal and is still known as a Legend for both the clubs. After nearly 600 appearances for the Whites in 1977 aged 33, the Northern Irishman decided to test his resolve as he played on for the Gunners for further 8 years. And during his 8 years at the helm, Arsenal managed to reach 3 FA Cup finals.
Amir Bashir follow him on Twitter.
No comments