FOOTBALLERS are constantly on the move, having to upheave their families.
Some will even go abroad and have to settle on foreign shores unknown to them.
Jack Rodwell revealed his move to Western Sydney Wanderers was inspired by his wife, but some Wags have scupper their partners’ transfersCredit: Getty
Last year, Jack Rodwell signed for Western Sydney Wanderers, a move that he admits was inspired by his Aussie wife.
But what about Wags who have scuppered their partners’ transfers?
Here’s six who were told to stay put by their other halves.
THOMAS MULLER TO MAN UTD
Ex-Man Utd boss Louis Van Gaal revealed how Thomas Muller’s wife Lisa got in the way of a proposed £84million move to Old Trafford back in 2015.
The anecdote, that German outlet Bild learned from a new book called Bayern Insider, even explains that a £16million-per-year pay packet wasn’t enough to sway the professional equestrian’s decision.
“In 2015 it would have been possible if his wife had been a little more open to a transfer abroad,” Van Gaal said.
“At least that was the reason Thomas gave my assistant Marcel Bout, who had had all the conversations with him, why the transfer had been rejected.”
Lisa Muller blocked Thomas’ move to Man Utd because she didn’t want to go abroadCredit: Instagram @lisa.mueller.official
MAURO ICARDI TO NEWCASTLE
In the Icardi household you got the feeling it was his ex-wife Wanda who wore the trousers, except when she’s sharing racy content on Instagram.
Famously, anyone who wanted to deal with the PSG forward had to go through the Argentinian beauty, who was his agent.
Newly moneyed Newcastle thought they’d chance their arm with an offer for the out-of-favour forward last season.
Wanda was reportedly having none of it. “Leaving Paris is not in Mauro and Wanda’s plans, it’s the last thing they want,” a source told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I don’t see Mauro joining another club soon.” Certainly not for Tyneside, anyway.
Wanda Icardi doesn’t want to swap Paris for TynesideCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
OLIVIER GIROUD TO EVERTON
The summer of 2017 gave Olivier Giroud and his wife Jennifer something to think about.
With an offer on the table from Everton, where he would get more game-time after losing his first team spot at Arsenal, his future was in the balance.
But then-manager Sam Allardyce revealed his French fancy wasn’t interested in shifting her possessions to Liverpool.
“He [Giroud] doesn’t want to move north of London, I don’t think. Or his wife doesn’t. It is very important to the wives you know,” said Allardyce.
“Normally they are the bosses, I say that with experience.”
Arsene Wenger later stuck up for Giroud and denied this to be the case.
Jessica Giroud said ‘Non’ to a move to EvertonCredit: Getty – Contributor
LEWANDOWSKI TO PSG
Before the French club added Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to their side, it was Robert Lewandowski who was reportedly a primary target in 2017 to lead their line.
But, speculation surfaced that stunning nutritionist Anna didn’t want to go to Paris and he stayed with Bayern Munich.
The Polish striker quashed the rumours, but did admit contact with a Ligue 1 team.
“Yes, I have already had the opportunity to sign with clubs in France in the past,” Lewandowski told Telefoot.
“My wife does not want to go to Paris? No, I’ve never heard anything so stupid. That has nothing to do with this, sometimes there are many parameters.”
However, she was happy to endorse his move to Barcelona – dropping a cryptic message about his future when he was in discussions over a deal to the Camp Nou.
Robert Lewandowski shot down rumours wife Anna was against a move to PSGCredit: Getty – Contributor
SERGIO RAMOS TO MAN UTD
The Spanish veteran appeared destined for the Theatre of Dreams, before he eventually settled for PSG last year.
A mega salary of around £15million-per-year for two years was, perhaps, a bigger catalyst.
However, it also appeared Manchester didn’t appeal to gorgeous TV presenter Pilar Rubio.
Instead, the French capital offered her and their four sons a better life.
Sergio Ramos was convinced by Wag Pilar Rubio that Paris was better for their familyCredit: Getty – Contributor
ZIDANE TO MAN UTD
Even managers have to listen to their wives.
Zinedine Zidane was linked with a move to Manchester United to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Old Trafford hot seat last season, before Ralf Rangnick took the job on the interim and Erik ten Hag then became his successor.
Although, that did not appeal to his dancer missus Veronique, who reportedly stood in the way of a move.
Zinedine Zidane’s wife Veronique didn’t fancy a move to ManchesterCredit: EPA
Source: the-sun.com
