Where there’s a will, there’s a way? Like Frankfurt’s Kolo Muani, some football professionals have already tried to force a change. Not always with success.
Randal Kolo Muani wants to force his move from Eintracht Frankfurt to Paris Saint-Germain with a training strike. The idea is not new. The German Press Agency lists some prominent cases from the past.
Filip Kostic
In 2021, the Serb tried the same trick at Eintracht – without success. The Frankfurters remained unimpressed and the training refuser stayed at the club for another year. Instead of going to Lazio Rome as initially hoped, Kostic switched to Juventus Turin last summer after triumphing in the Europa League.
Ousmane Dembele
In 2017, the Frenchman emphasized his desire to move to FC Barcelona with a training boycott at Borussia Dortmund. BVB then suspended the Frenchman from training and games and imposed a hefty fine on him. A few days later, the Catalans paid the required €105m and Dembélé left.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
In 2018 the game was repeated in Dortmund. After the Gabonese’s move to Arsenal FC didn’t materialize at first, he didn’t show up for training and instead had himself photographed playing football with friends – in a Dembélé shirt. After a temporary suspension and a brief return to the BVB starting eleven, Aubameyang switched to Arsenal for around 64 million euros.
Luka Modric
In 2012, the future world footballer refused to take part in the season-opening game of his then-club Tottenham Hotspur. His goal: moving from the Premier League to Real Madrid. After lengthy negotiations, Los Blancos signed the Croatian midfielder on a five-year deal. Modric still kicks at Real.
Anthony Yeboah
In 1994, the then Eintracht Frankfurt captain said he was too tired to take part in the upcoming game against Hamburger SV. The Hessen reacted with a sensitive fine and the withdrawal of the captain’s armband. About a month later, Yeboah, who was willing to change, signed a contract with the English club Leeds United.
Source: Stern
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