FILTER FOCUS 24.03.10

 

Football journalist Will Wainewright takes another sideways look at the world of football

5 footballing returns

As Barcelona frontman Thierry Henry prepares to play against his former employers Arsenal in the Champions League next week – a game he admits he would rather not have to face – Filter Focus takes a look at other footballers who have returned as opponents to face the clubs where they acquired hero status

1) Sol Campbell, Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur, 2001 (Spurs, 1992–2001)

Acrimonious would be gentle way to describe Sol Campbell’s return to White Hart Lane after making the unthinkable move from Spurs to their bitter rivals Arsenal in 2001. Memories of his time at Spurs, during which he captained the team to League Cup success, were swiftly forgotten as ‘Judas’ became a target of hate to fans of his former club. The fact it was a free transfer added to the pain for Spurs fans who could only look on as he went on to win league and cup honours for their hated neighbours. Maybe worst of all, he is ranked top of the Daily Mail’s list of football traitors. Now that must be hard to swallow.

2) David Beckham, AC Milan v Man. Utd, 2010 (Man. Utd, 1990–2003)

This year’s Champions League draw made another notable return possible in the last 16, with United legend David Beckham making his first ever appearance against his former club at the San Siro in February. Wayne Rooney, however, stole the show as United put three past Leonardo’s hapless Milan side. Beckham was afforded a hero’s welcome by the home fans on his return to Old Trafford, but just half an hour by his manager, who didn’t let sentiment get in the way of team selection. Maybe he should have done, as Milan crumbled to a 4–0 defeat in which it only took 30 minutes for Beckham to outshine his Italian teammates. He still managed to steal the show, however, donning an anti-Glazer scarf after the final whistle to endear himself further to the home fans (and the back pages). Classic Becks.

3) Luis Figo, Barcelona vs Real Madrid, 2002 (Barcelona, 1995–2000)

Having a pig’s head thrown at him was one of the nicer ways the former world player of the year was rewarded upon his return to the Nou Camp, following his world record £37m move to Madrid. Years of success at Barca did not impede the torrents of abuse that flowed in his direction whenever the newly-christened ‘Galactico’ turned out against his former club.  

4) Frank Lampard, West Ham v Chelsea (West Ham, 1995–2001)

No less venemous was the reception afforded to ‘Lamps’ upon his return to his former stomping ground. The England midfield player came through the youth system at Upton Park, only to move west in 2001 as he appeared to be outgrowing the limited ambitions of his first club. He is still guaranteed a brutal reception whenever he returns to West Ham, a club that do not take kindly to their home-produced talent moving elsewhere (just ask Rio Ferdinand).

5) Thierry Henry, Barcelona v Arsenal 2010 (Arsenal, 1999–2006)

The French forward acquired legendary status in North London during his seven years at Arsenal. Arsene Wenger’s decision to move him from the wing to his natural position up front paid dividends as he broke Ian Wright’s record of 185 league goals, while his attacking flair was a key ingredient in the unbeaten run of form that saw the ‘Invincibles’ win the title in emphatic style in 2004. That said, Mr Va Va Voom may be regretting the comment piece he wrote for The Times a few weeks ago, in which he said: “Proud though I am to be a Barcelona player, I dread the thought of having to oppose Arsenal. I would hate it. I pray for it not to happen.” Probably best to keep those thoughts to yourselves over the next few days, Thierry…