Makelele, also known as Claude Makelele, was a French professional football player who played as a defensive midfielder. He is widely recognized for his exceptional skills in the midfield and for his contribution to the success of Real Madrid during his time with the club.
Makelele joined Real Madrid from Celta Vigo in 2000 for a transfer fee of €14 million. He quickly became an integral part of the team and helped them win several titles, including two La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League.
Why Did Makelele Leave Madrid
In 2003, Makelele made the surprising decision to leave Real Madrid and move to Chelsea. Many football enthusiasts were left wondering why he would leave such a successful team.
The reason behind his departure was mainly due to a contract dispute with the club’s management. Despite being one of Real Madrid’s key players, Makelele was not receiving adequate pay compared to other players on the team. This led him to request a new contract that would be more reflective of his value to the team.
However, Real Madrid refused to meet his demands and instead offered him a new contract that did not meet his expectations. Feeling undervalued and underappreciated, Makelele decided it was time for him to move on from the club.
The Aftermath
Makelele’s departure from Real Madrid did not sit well with many fans and members of the media. His outstanding performances on the pitch during his time with the club had earned him a lot of respect and admiration from supporters.
Moreover, many people felt that Real Madrid made a mistake by letting go such an instrumental player due to a contract dispute. His absence was felt deeply, and the team struggled to find a suitable replacement for him for several years.
However, Makelele went on to have a successful career with Chelsea, where he played for five seasons and won several titles. He continued to showcase his exceptional skills in the midfield and proved that he was still one of the best players in his position.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Makelele left Real Madrid in 2003 due to a contract dispute with the club’s management. Despite his departure being met with disappointment from many fans and members of the media, he went on to have a successful career with Chelsea.
Makelele will always be remembered as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation and as a player who made significant contributions to both Real Madrid and Chelsea. His departure from Real Madrid may have been unexpected, but it ultimately led him on a path towards further success.