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There are numerous steps leading to the final destination of a journey. Similarly, most of the footballers start their footballing career from different academies and second-tier teams before, actually, making it to the biggest stage of all, the European football.
However, there are some exceptions as to where some players initially start kicking a football and also where they end up hanging their boots. Lionel Messi and Harry Kane are some modern-day examples for such players.
As a footballer progresses through his career, there might be some situations when he has to face his parent or a former club, in different competitions. For instance, Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the Santiago Bernabeu is much-awaited following his move to Turin after having spent 9 years with the Spanish giants. It remains to see whether the two clubs would lock horns any time soon or not.
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However, Cristiano Ronaldo made a homecoming to Old Trafford recently, but, was unable to score. Though, he scored the only Juventus goal in a dramatic 1-2 loss to the Red Devils in the return fixture.
After getting past United’s defence, the 33-year-old struck a beautiful goal past David de Gea. He initially started by apologizing to the away fans by the gesture of joint hands. However, the Portuguese, then, went on to celebrate in front of the home fans as he showcased his abdominal muscularity by lifting his shirt up.
It’s not the first time that a player was seen scoring against his former club. Let’s take a look at 5 occasions when top players celebrated against their former clubs.
#5 Sergio Ramos vs Sevilla
Sergio Ramos, who joined Real Madrid from Sevilla in 2005, was subjected to abuse from Sevilla fans in a Copa del Rey fixture in the 2016-17 season.
The Spaniard went on to score a ‘Panenka’ penalty in the match and celebrated by cupping his hands to the ears and pointed out at his name at the back of his shirt.
However, later he clarified that: “Sevilla fans were insulting me and my mother form the first minute. I asked for forgiveness and my celebration wasn’t meant as a lack of respect or an insult to anyone.”
#4 Leonardo Bonucci vs Juventus
Bonucci made a surprising return to his former club, Juventus, in the last transfer window. However, during his time at Milan, in his first game against his ex-club Juventus at the Allianz Stadium, the Italian scored a halftime equalizer and celebrated, stunning the home fans.
However, later Bonucci explained his goal celebration: “I celebrated because of how I was welcomed. I was in doubt before the game but when I noticed I was booed. I decided to celebrate”.
#3 Jordi Alba vs Valencia
In a LaLiga 2016/17 fixture at the Mestalla Stadium, Jordi Alba faced his former club, Valencia. Valencia needed a win to be within a point difference from league leaders, Barcelona. Valencia were leading just before a superb striker from Jordi Alba who equalized for the Blaugrana.
The Spanish left-back started celebrating as soon as he scored. Alba was booed throughout the game by the home fans, who must not have forgiven him for his 2012 switch to Camp Nou.
Later, the Spaniard said that: “I deserve more respect from the Valencia fans, as I have for them. I came there for free and they got a huge price when I left. I’ll always be thankful to the club.”
#2 Robin van Persie vs Arsenal
After switching to Manchester United from Arsenal at the beginning of the 2012-13 season, Robin van Persie lined up against his former side and scored in all the first 3 matches against the Gunners. On the first two occasions, the Dutchman scored and did nothing showing respect to his former club.
However, on the third occasion when Van Persie scored, he sprinted to the United fans and slid on the ground. He later spread his arms while roaring and celebrating with his teammates.
#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs Inter Milan
After having scored 66 goals for Inter Milan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic switched to FC Barcelona. However, the striker soon moved back to Serie A as he joined Inter’s arch-rivals, AC Milan, this term.
The Swedish striker was on an attacking move against Lucio and Materazzi as the latter placed a mistimed tackle and brought down the Swedish striker.
With almost half of the stadium jeering against the striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic stepped up to take the spot-kick and calmly finished as he celebrated the goal raising his arms into the air.
