Football fans around the world were stunned when Real Madrid sold Claude Makelele to Chelsea in 2003. The French midfielder had been a key player for the Galacticos, helping the team win two La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy in his three years at the club. So why did Madrid decide to let him go?
The Role of Claude Makelele
Makelele was known for his defensive prowess, breaking up opposition attacks and shielding the backline. His position on the pitch became known as “the Makelele role,” and many teams began to adopt a similar system with a dedicated defensive midfielder.
The Arrival of Beckham
One reason for Madrid’s decision was the arrival of David Beckham from Manchester United that same summer. The English midfielder was seen as a marquee signing and brought with him a lot of media attention and commercial opportunities.
Financial Reasons
Another factor was financial. Madrid had spent heavily on players like Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and Luis Figo in previous seasons, and selling Makelele helped balance the books. The club also believed that they could find a cheaper replacement for him.
Backlash from Fans and Players
The decision to sell Makelele was not popular with fans or players. The Frenchman had become a fan favorite for his tireless work ethic and important contributions to the team’s success. Many players were also unhappy, with captain Fernando Hierro reportedly threatening to quit over the decision.
Impact on Success
In hindsight, it’s clear that selling Makelele was a mistake for Madrid. The team struggled defensively in his absence, conceding more goals and winning fewer games. They went two seasons without winning any major trophies before finally reclaiming the La Liga title in 2006-07.
Conclusion
In the end, Madrid’s decision to sell Claude Makelele was motivated by financial reasons and the desire to make room for a new superstar signing. However, it had a negative impact on the team’s performance and was not popular with fans or players. It remains one of the most controversial transfer decisions in football history.
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