Football News Today

Three veteran footballers who succeeded at their new clubs

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Age is an abstract pretty much centered on the limited careers of footballers. A sense of inevitability is aroused as player turns 30. Consequently, performances regress as the clock ticks down to retirement.

However, quite a number of players have challenged such norms and shown age as just a number rather than a factor.  We take a view on these footballers who have opted against the status quo.

Gary McAllister

Gary McAllister was an household name in the late 90s. The Scot had spells at Leicester city; Leeds,Coventry and was regarded among Scotland’s best players.

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Gary McAllister

After Successful spells at Leeds and Coventry. Liverpool manager Gerard Houiller took a risk on McAllister, signing him on a free transfer; much to the disdain of fans who felt at 35, hewas simply too old.

Although, the Scot donned the Liver Bird crest for a relatively short period, the gamble though paid off, with Mcallister demonstrating his undying class and ability to influence matches. Notably, scoring a 44 yard free kick in the dying embers of the Merseyside derby that etched his name into Liverpool’s folklore.

Raul Gonzalez

In a career spanning 20 years, Raul Gonzalez was regarded as one of Europe top strikers and arguably the best player to have graced the Santiago Bernabeu. The former Spanish International had a previous record of the most goals in European football (73).

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<>Raul Gonzalez at Schalke 04

Upon the expiration of his contract and aged 33, many expected the Legend to opt for a more lucrative switch to the Middle East or the Major League Soccer.

The Spaniard had other ideas, making a switch to German outfit Schalke 04 in the summer of 2010. In the course of his short stay at the club. Raul had such a phenomenal impact that the no. 7 assigned to him was
retired upon his exit, albeit for a temporary period.  That decision has since been rescinded with young German prodigy Max Meyer awarded the shirt number.

Landon Donovan

Versatile enough to play as forward or a midfielder, Donovan is widely considered to be among U.S most successful players along with Clint Dempsey.

The former American international came out of retirement twice and currently stars for Liga MX side Club León. Prior before that, Donovan had a bad spell at L.A Galaxy and was subsequently loaned to Everton during the winter break.

It appeared that was the move that led to an upturn in form as the forward impressed massively, winning Everton’s Player of the Month on a number of occasions. The four-time U.S Athlete of the Year eventually made a return back to his parent club. Donovan is 36 now, yet still waxing strong and has proven age is not a deterrent.

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