When Did Higuain Leave Madrid?

By Anna Duncan

When Did Higuain Leave Madrid?

Gonzalo Higuain, the Argentine footballer, left Real Madrid in July 2013. His departure marked the end of an era at the Santiago Bernabeu and sparked a wave of speculation in the football world.

The Higuain-Madrid Journey

Higuain joined Real Madrid in January 2007 from River Plate, a renowned Argentine club. He quickly made a name for himself with his goal-scoring prowess and became an integral part of the team.

During his time at Madrid, Higuain played alongside some of the greatest players in the history of the sport, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos. He formed a deadly partnership with Ronaldo, contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s success during those years.

The Departure

In July 2013, Napoli, an Italian Serie A club, signed Higuain for a reported fee of €37 million. This move came as a surprise to many football enthusiasts as Higuain was considered one of Real Madrid’s key players.

Reasons for Departure:

  • Competition: Real Madrid had signed another prolific striker, Karim Benzema, who was seen as a direct competitor to Higuain for the starting spot. This increased competition may have influenced his decision to seek new opportunities elsewhere.
  • Managerial Changes: Throughout his time at Madrid, Higuain played under multiple managers due to frequent changes in coaching staff. The uncertainty surrounding these changes might have contributed to his desire for stability and consistency elsewhere.
  • New Challenge: After spending six seasons at Real Madrid, Higuain may have felt the need for a fresh start and a new challenge in a different league.

Impact of Higuain’s Departure

Higuain’s departure left a void in Real Madrid’s attacking lineup. His goal-scoring ability and understanding with teammates were difficult to replace. Real Madrid struggled initially to find an adequate replacement, but they eventually signed other world-class players to fill the void.

Higuain, on the other hand, found success at Napoli. He continued to display his goal-scoring prowess and became an influential figure for the Italian club during his time there.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gonzalo Higuain left Real Madrid in July 2013. His departure was influenced by various factors such as increased competition, managerial changes, and the desire for a new challenge. Despite leaving Madrid, Higuain left an indelible mark on the club’s history and went on to achieve success elsewhere.