Terry and the Untouchables
You’ve heard the old adage: “Everyone has a price.” But are there exceptions in the high-stakes business of world football? In the past couple of days it looks increasingly likely that Manchester City are going to fail in their bid to lure Chelsea’s John Terry up north. Despite offering 28 million pounds for a defender whose best days are behind him, City’s proposal was categorically rejected by Chelsea on the grounds that, as its inspirational captain, the golden example of its youth system, and the heart and soul of the club, Terry is not for sale at any price. We’ll see if Chelsea’s principles get tested again with one final, outlandish bid.
As a club that doesn’t have the financial pressure to be forced into selling anyone, Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea can turn down any offer, no matter how astronomical it may be. But in today’s game that’s not always enough. Players have a lot of power too, and if they want to leave, the club risks creating a lot of unrest in the dressing room by denying them that request. Fortunately for Chelsea, their talismanic captain has few reasons to leave – except for the prospect of an increased pay package (but he’s not doing too badly at the moment…)
No such thing as the Untouchables?
John Terry – as Chelsea insist – just might be untouchable. Are there any others who share the same title? Playing in a league in your home nation doesn’t hurt. Being captain or a club cult figure is certainly a plus. You must have, at one point in your career, been considered world class. And being a product of your club’s youth system is almost a given. In the Premiership, Steven Gerrard immediately comes to mind. Intrinsically linked to Liverpool’s identity and success, he turned down an offer from Chelsea several years back. In Serie A, there’s perhaps Gigi Buffon at Juventus. He turned down a big money bid from Man City last year – although the most tempting exit came a couple seasons before, when Juve was demoted to the second division. And what about La Liga? Surely Raul has a spot at Real Madrid for life, even with the arrival of Kaka, Ronaldo and Benzema. Perhaps Lionel Messi at Barcelona, too. The club adopted the Argentine as a teen, and with the winger years away from his prime (scary as that sounds) Barcelona will never let go of the player who most epitomizes the philosophy of their playing style.
Then again, no matter who you nominate for the title of Untouchable…and no matter what line of reasoning you make…there’ll always be a name reinforcing the argument that everyone does have a price. For every Terry, there’s a Kaka. The bottom line, there are no untouchables.
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