5 legends the fans would love to see continue playing in Europe next season

When it comes to football, Europe has always been the Mecca. The continent boasts the most competitive and attractive leagues in the world, providing a stage for the most talented athletes to showcase their prowess. Sadly, these players can’t go on forever, as time eventually catches up with everyone. Before that happens, however, Europe’s legends often look to Major League Soccer or some lesser known league for their last big payday. Players like David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Didier Drogba and Kaka have all made such moves, and with another generation of footballers being phased out, the MLS is sure to capture another big name soon. The possibility of retirement also looms, but players are more likely to test the waters in a less competitive league before hanging up their boots.Things are different for fans sometimes, though. They would love for their favourite players to continue on in Europe till the wheels fall off. Here are five legends they would hate to see leave.

#5 Miroslav Klose

The Lazio striker has been solid in front of goal throughout his club career, but it is his exploits with the German national team that really stand out. Klose, now 37 years old, is the top goalscorer in the history of the FIFA World Cup with 16 goals, having broken the record previously held by Brazil’s Ronaldo in last year’s tournament.

He is also Germany’s all-time top scorer, netting 71 goals for the World Cup winners before retiring from international football last August.

Klose is believed to be considering a move to the MLS before his contract – which runs until June 2016 – is up, using the winter transfer window to make his exit. While moving to the United States would probably be good for the ageing forward, he may still have something more to offer on the European stage.

The German no longer has that youthful spring in his step, but he remains a legend in the game.

#4 Antonio Di Natale

The 38-year-old striker hit his peak well after the age of 30. Captain of the Udinese side, Antonio Di Natale has been in great goalscoring form from the 2009/10 season when he finished with 29 goals. In the subsequent season, he scored 28 times, followed by another 29-goal haul in the next. Ending his last three campaigns scoring 26, 20 and 18, Di Natale has proven that age is just a number.

Between 2009 and 2011, only Cristiano Ronaldo (86) and Lionel Messi (82) scored more goals than Di Natale (67).

The Italian – who has since become an icon at Udinese – is the club’s record holder for appearances and goals scored in Italy’s top division. He has made 362 Serie A appearances, scoring 189 goals in the process.

The good news for fans, though; the striker has refused to put a timeline on his retirement, and reports suggest he won’t quit until countryman Francesco Totti does.

#3 Xabi Alonso

The 34-year old Spanish midfielder currently plays for German giants Bayern Munich. But doubt has been cast over his future as reports suggest that no talks are being held with regards to his contract, which expires in June of 2016.

Alonso is still one of the best deep-lying midfielders in the game and possesses a wonderful technical ability. As effective in attack as he is in defence, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid man is the perfect midfielder. He is a dependable scorer but his biggest asset lies in his ability to create chances from deep. Alonso also poses a threat from set pieces and is a strong penalty taker.

Whether he stays with Bayern is left to be seen, but the two-time Champions League winner remains a quality midfield man who would contribute massively to any team. It would certainly be great to watch him play football at the highest level for another season or two.

#2 Francesco Totti

Timeless Francesco Totti is the epitome of longevity. Plying his trade in Roma’s midfield since 1989, the midfielder made his professional debut in 1993 at the tender age of 16. By 1995, he had solidified his place in the first team, drawing lots of praise for his superb displays as a creator and scorer.

The year 2015 is almost over, but Totti – despite not playing as many minutes as he used to – still remains an influential, effective and integral part of the Roma team at 39 years old. The playmaker is still highly regarded in his homeland, Italy, and is his team’s most capped player. He is also their record goalscorer, having scored 300 times during his illustrious career.

Reports suggest Roma will offer Totti a one-year extension when his current contract expires next June. If true, this would surely please fans. It would also guarantee that the club’s youngest ever captain will still be playing football at the highest level in his forties.

Father time remains unbeaten to date, but that hasn’t stopped Totti from trying.

#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Already past his 34th birthday, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is showing no signs of slowing down. The PSG striker is having another super season, registering 12 league goals in as many appearances for the French side.

His contract is set to expire next summer, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up. Although a host of European clubs are after his signature, the lure of Major League Soccer could prove a factor.

Fans would definitely want to see Zlatan continue on in Europe as he still has a lot to offer. One of the best forwards the continent has ever seen, the big Swede can still rub shoulders with the new generation of world-class talent and, despite his age, his game has shown no hint of decline.

Ibrahimovic certainly seems a player who has at least one more big move left in his career. Having played for major sides such as Juventus, Barcelona and both of the Milan clubs, he could still walk into any club’s first team and make an impact.

Where will this distinguished striker be playing football next season? Only time will tell. But whether it is still at PSG, another European club, or the MLS, one thing is for sure. He will not stop scoring goals.