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A Case of What Could Have Been for Wesley Sneijder

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So how did it come to this? From the world’s most coveted player in the summers of 2010 and 2011 to being forced out of his club over a refusal to take a paycut and being left with only one transfer option to escape his Milanese nightmare. In the intervening years after his failed move to United, things haven’t gone well for Sneijder. Jose Mourinho, the coach of the treble winning team of 2010 left for Madrid six days after the Champions League final and after short spells in charge from Rafa Benitez and Leonardo he found himself out of favour and tactically unnecessary in Gian Piero Gasperini’s 3-5-2 formation.

Since then, there have been tantrums and fallings out which eventually led to the public falling-out with Inter Massimo Moratti. Moratti wanted the now far less-influential Dutchman to either take a major cut to wages or never play for the Nerazzuri again. Sneijder, as stubborn as ever, refused to back down and having not played for Inter since 25th September he made the move to the Turk Telekom Arena.

It’s not necessarily a bad move. Galatasaray are still in the Champions League after a strong showing in the group stage and are leading the Turkish Super Lig. They’re a strong team and a strong showing for the rest of the season could yet see Sneijder emerge as a top midfielder yet again. However, it seems unlikely that it was the only offer on the table and seems far more likely that it was the only offer that would come close to matching his current wages. Which would be a pity. History has shown that footballers tend to have more fulfilling careers when they listen to their ambition and desire, not their bank manager and agents.

Sneijder has appeared to have burned his bridges in major European football, his reported demands became worldwide news and he’s developed a reputation for being one of footballer’s more greedy and obstinate personalities. This is sad not only for him but for football in general. Had he seen the bigger picture, lowered his demands and joined Manchester United in the summer of 2011 we could still be talking about Wesley Sneijder, world-class midfielder and superstar. Instead we are left talking about a player who, despite his many honours, both individual and team, will be remembered by many for his greed; an unattractive trait in football and one which is becoming more common each day.

Feel free to follow @WayneFarry on Twitter for more football talk and opinion.

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