4) Almost joined Real Madrid
Alfredo Di Stefano is the greatest Real Madrid player of all time. Winning a grand total of five European Cups and eight La Ligas, his name has been stamped in the history books of Real Madrid. However, it could have been different as he almost joined Barcelona.
Similarly, Johan Cruyff was Barcelona’s greatest ever player until Lionel Messi entered the fray. At a time when they were in the shadows of mediocrity, he came and took them to the light. However, at one point, this all couldn’t have been.
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"I remember my move to Spain was quite controversial. People said I was going to a fascist country. The president of Ajax wanted to sell me to Real Madrid," Cruyff said in a documentary on TV3.
"I was born shortly after the war, though, and was taught not to just accept anything.
"Barcelona weren't at the same level as Madrid football wise, but it was a challenge to play for a Catalan club. Barcelona was more than a club."
And then that was it. Ajax wanted him at Real Madrid, he wanted him at Barca—and Cruyff was someone who always got it his way.
