THE TOP FIVE BRITISH LA LIGA EXPORTS

By Archie Buck
Updated: 21 February, 2012

Steve McManaman

McManaman, once one of the brightest sparks in English football but fell out of favour at Anfield after some well publicised off the field behaviour. The appointment of new manager Gerard Houllier saw the 27 year old winger depart the club and sign for Real Madrid in 1999.

Madrid were in a transitional period at the time. Financial ruin had hampered the club and things were not running smoothly both on and off the pitch. However the team would rally under boss Vicente Del-Bosque during the 1999-2000 season which would culminate in a Champions League victory.

McManaman had quickly become an integral part of the team and some of his performances had been sensational. He would cap the year off by scoring in the Champions League final against Valencia.

However his time in Spain was shrouded in controversy from then on. McManaman was told he was unwanted by the club despite having had a sensational year and the support of the fans. McManaman refused to be forced out and fought for his place in the team, a fight which he won.

The 2000/01 season would see the club win the League title for the first time in 4 years, and then Champions League number 2 followed for “Macca” in 2002. He left the club in 2003 after 4 seasons with Los Merengues. Despite being unwanted by the club, he won 2 Champions Leagues and a league title as well as the hearts of the Madrid supporters. He is arguably the most successful British player to play abroad in recent times.