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Premier League boycott XI features ex-Arsenal and Chelsea stars after Alexander Isak behaviour branded ‘disgusting’
Alexander Isak has found himself at the centre of the transfer saga of the summer following his refusal to play again for Newcastle. talkSPORT understands that the striker is so determined to force through a transfer to Liverpool that he won’t feature again. Isak has told Newcastle he won’t play for them again Isak is willing to sit out even if he doesn’t get sold this summer, as he does whatever it takes to get a move to the Reds. His drastic stance has split opinion, with Gabby Agbonlahor left fuming with the Swede, and calling his actions ‘disgusting’. However, Michael Owen recently said Isak has every right to want a move away and squeeze as much out of his career as possible. The 25-year-old isn’t the first – and he won’t be the last – to go on strike to try and force through a transfer. In fact, he’s not even the only player to do so this summer, with Yoane Wissa, whose future ironically could be tied to Isak’s, initially going on strike over a potential move to Newcastle. With that in mind, talkSPORT.com runs through an all-star XI who helped write the handbook on how not to leave a football club… GK – Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea) Toby Young’s 2001 memoir, ‘How to Lose Friends & Alienate People’, may be an influence for the Belgian’s future autobiography. Courtois announced last summer that he wouldn’t return to the Belgium national team while Domenico Tedesco was in charge. The goalkeeper has a history of going AWOL, having done so at Chelsea to force through his controversial move to Real Madrid. Courtois won two Premier League titles during his time at ChelseaGetty The former Atletico loanee sealed a £38m move to their local rivals in 2018 after failing to report back to Chelsea for preseason training. He was subsequently fined two weeks’ wages as a result, but eventually the Blues were left with little choice but to cash in. Courtois’ agent later credited the decision to leave Stamford Bridge due to his family still residing in Spain, saying: “There has been a misunderstanding that he wanted to get a move for the wrong reasons, but he was pushing to go out of Chelsea because of his child. “If the family were in London, it would have been totally different. He would have stayed; there is no reason to leave a club like Chelsea, he could have won trophies. Unfortunately, his kids are living with the mother in Madrid.” Courtois himself said: “I think in March the decision was already made, and I thought the club would accept it. “Then, because the transfer was closed, I did not show up because I thought it better not to disturb the team and the squad.” CB: William Gallas The former Chelsea defender allegedly went to far greater lengths in his effort to leave Stamford Bridge. In an extraordinary statement, the Blues claimed Gallas refused to play in the 2005/06 FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool. They even stated that he threatened to score an own goal if he played their first game of the season against Manchester City. Gallas failed to report for pre-season training on Chelsea’s 2006 pre-season tour of America, before joining Arsenal on deadline day. Speaking after his move to the Gunners in a cash-plus-player deal for Ashley Cole, he said: “I am surprised and shocked [by Chelsea’s accusations]. “I certainly never said I’d try and score an own-goal if I ever played for Chelsea again. I was very firm in my desire to leave – that’s clear – and I’ve already explained why. But I never went that far. “If people want to hide behind these ridiculous accusations to explain why I left to keep onside with their club’s supporters, that’s what they do. I don’t think it’ll fool anybody.” Gallas helped Chelsea win two Premier League titlesGetty Chelsea's statement on William Gallas “Chelsea believes it is important for our supporters to be made aware of the full facts regarding William Gallas and the lack of respect he showed to the fans, the manager and the club. “Despite leaving he continues to attack José Mourinho and this cannot be left unchallenged. “Chelsea made William Gallas a very substantial and attractive new contract offer to stay towards the end of last season. This was rejected. “The issue was purely one of money, despite his public comments that he wanted a new challenge, to play abroad and so forth. These were just a smokescreen to cover up the fact he was hawking himself to the highest bidder. “Having failed to secure his demands, his position became increasingly intransigent and unacceptable. “He initially refused to play against Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final last season in an effort to force an increased contract offer. “As is now well documented he refused to join up with the team in Los Angeles during pre-season, despite agreeing the dates for his return as the other World Cup players did, with the club. “When Jose Mourinho generously offered him a way back into the ‘family’ aft
Alexander Isak has found himself at the centre of the transfer saga of the summer following his refusal to play again for Newcastle.
talkSPORT understands that the striker is so determined to force through a transfer to Liverpool that he won’t feature again.
Isak is willing to sit out even if he doesn’t get sold this summer, as he does whatever it takes to get a move to the Reds.
His drastic stance has split opinion, with Gabby Agbonlahor left fuming with the Swede, and calling his actions ‘disgusting’.
However, Michael Owen recently said Isak has every right to want a move away and squeeze as much out of his career as possible.
The 25-year-old isn’t the first – and he won’t be the last – to go on strike to try and force through a transfer.
In fact, he’s not even the only player to do so this summer, with Yoane Wissa, whose future ironically could be tied to Isak’s, initially going on strike over a potential move to Newcastle.
With that in mind, talkSPORT.com runs through an all-star XI who helped write the handbook on how not to leave a football club…
GK – Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
Toby Young’s 2001 memoir, ‘How to Lose Friends & Alienate People’, may be an influence for the Belgian’s future autobiography.
Courtois announced last summer that he wouldn’t return to the Belgium national team while Domenico Tedesco was in charge.
The goalkeeper has a history of going AWOL, having done so at Chelsea to force through his controversial move to Real Madrid.
The former Atletico loanee sealed a £38m move to their local rivals in 2018 after failing to report back to Chelsea for preseason training.
He was subsequently fined two weeks’ wages as a result, but eventually the Blues were left with little choice but to cash in.
Courtois’ agent later credited the decision to leave Stamford Bridge due to his family still residing in Spain, saying: “There has been a misunderstanding that he wanted to get a move for the wrong reasons, but he was pushing to go out of Chelsea because of his child.
“If the family were in London, it would have been totally different. He would have stayed; there is no reason to leave a club like Chelsea, he could have won trophies. Unfortunately, his kids are living with the mother in Madrid.”
Courtois himself said: “I think in March the decision was already made, and I thought the club would accept it.
“Then, because the transfer was closed, I did not show up because I thought it better not to disturb the team and the squad.”
CB: William Gallas
The former Chelsea defender allegedly went to far greater lengths in his effort to leave Stamford Bridge.
In an extraordinary statement, the Blues claimed Gallas refused to play in the 2005/06 FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool.
They even stated that he threatened to score an own goal if he played their first game of the season against Manchester City.
Gallas failed to report for pre-season training on Chelsea’s 2006 pre-season tour of America, before joining Arsenal on deadline day.
Speaking after his move to the Gunners in a cash-plus-player deal for Ashley Cole, he said: “I am surprised and shocked [by Chelsea’s accusations].
“I certainly never said I’d try and score an own-goal if I ever played for Chelsea again. I was very firm in my desire to leave – that’s clear – and I’ve already explained why. But I never went that far.
“If people want to hide behind these ridiculous accusations to explain why I left to keep onside with their club’s supporters, that’s what they do. I don’t think it’ll fool anybody.”
Chelsea's statement on William Gallas
“Chelsea believes it is important for our supporters to be made aware of the full facts regarding William Gallas and the lack of respect he showed to the fans, the manager and the club.
“Despite leaving he continues to attack José Mourinho and this cannot be left unchallenged.
“Chelsea made William Gallas a very substantial and attractive new contract offer to stay towards the end of last season. This was rejected.
“The issue was purely one of money, despite his public comments that he wanted a new challenge, to play abroad and so forth. These were just a smokescreen to cover up the fact he was hawking himself to the highest bidder.
“Having failed to secure his demands, his position became increasingly intransigent and unacceptable.
“He initially refused to play against Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final last season in an effort to force an increased contract offer.
“As is now well documented he refused to join up with the team in Los Angeles during pre-season, despite agreeing the dates for his return as the other World Cup players did, with the club.
“When Jose Mourinho generously offered him a way back into the ‘family’ after the American tour, this was thrown back in the Chelsea manager’s face.
“The manager told him that, even if he did not agree a new contract but returned to the “family” and abided by the rules, he would still select the best players available and would not punish him playing wise.
“However despite meetings to try and resolve the problems Gallas made it clear to Jose Mourinho he would never play for Chelsea again.
“Before the first game of the season against Manchester City, when only four defenders were available and John Terry was doubtful with an injury, he refused to play.
“He went on to threaten that if he was forced to play, or if he was disciplined and financially punished for his breach of the rules, that he could score an own goal or get himself sent off, or make deliberate mistakes.
“Clearly this was a totally unacceptable situation for the manager, the team and the club. So a collectively agreed solution in Chelsea’s interests had to be found, hence his departure.
“Chelsea has a wage structure in place that is valued not only on the contribution of the player to the manager and the team, but also on a player’s respect for the club and contribution to the promotion and image of the club off the field. Every player is expected to play their part in this.
“William Gallas rarely recognised these responsibilities.
“He also failed to recognise the role Jose Mourinho and Chelsea played in helping him become a double Premiership champion for a player whose only league title prior to that had been in the French Second Division.”
CB: Marcos Rojo
Sporting CP were used to players going on strike following Premier League interest long before Viktor Gyökeres‘ behaviour this summer.
Rojo similarly refused to train in Lisbon once Man United had made their interest clear, prompting Juan Sebastian Veron to get involved.
“It was a huge surprise when I was told United wanted to buy me,” the Argentine said, via ESPN.
“I was in Portugal when my representative told me. He asked me to stay calm, but I could not. I started living this dream.
“I could not think of anything else. I would call him every day, but when it seemed the transfer would not happen then I refused to work with Sporting.
“That was when Veron played his part in the process. He was like a strict father to me, scolding me.”
Rojo added: “Veron called me one day when I had refused to train with Sporting and said: ‘Do not be stubborn. If Manchester United wants a player, then they will not let you escape.’ And so I went back — and the transfer went ahead.”
CB: Sebastien Squillaci
Arsenal fans will be hoping Gyökeres fares a lot better than the last player who went on strike in order to join the club.
Squillaci caused uproar in 2010 when he refused to play for Sevilla in the first-leg of their Champions League play-off against Braga.
Then-coach Antonio Alvarez had even put the defender in his starting XI, but Squillaci was desperate to avoid becoming cup-tied.
“If a French player receives an offer from Arsène Wenger, it’s practically impossible to turn down,” he told the Guardian. “It was a sensational offer for me and I was happy Sevilla let me go.
“It was a difficult situation, but I knew I had to take this chance. I knew if I played against Braga, then I would not have been able to play for Arsenal in the Champions League.”
Squillaci played 32 times in his first season, but a string of poor performances saw him fall down the pecking order the next season.
He made only one Premier League appearance throughout the final two years of his deal before being released in 2013.
RM: Riyad Mahrez
Perhaps Leicester shouldn’t have been surprised by this one, with the winger once fleeing a trial at St Mirren in Scotland on a bike in 2009.
Nearly a decade later, and Mahrez was desperate to leave Leicester City, a year on from their unprecedented Premier League triumph.
After he failed to secure an exit in the summer of 2017, the Algerian then stayed away from Foxes training the following January.
“I was away from here because I needed some time to think,” Mahrez said after returning to first-team action.
“You’ll always have regrets, but at that time I thought it was the best thing to do.”
Mahrez eventually got his wish when he was sold to Man City in July 2018, where he spent five years before joining Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
CM: Matheus Nunes
Sticking with Pep Guardiola‘s side, Nunes went on strike to force through his move from Wolves in the summer Mahrez left the club.
The Portuguese refused to train with his teammates before completing his transfer on deadline day in a £53million move.
Following his move to Man City, Wolves subsequently expressed their displeasure over the way Nunes left the club.
“I was disappointed with how it ended, it wasn’t necessary the stance Matheus took, but we ended with a good resolution for everyone,” Wolves transfer chief Matt Hobbs said.
“Matheus is a hugely talented player, but would admit that last season he didn’t hit the heights he expected, but it was a tough season for the team, so maybe he wasn’t allowed to do that.”
Nunes did later express his regret at his conduct in an interview with The Sun, saying: “Maybe I could have tried to be more calm.
“But I wanted this very badly. I can understand there are some supporters upset or not happy with my decision to not train.
“For that, I’m sorry. It was something maybe I would have done differently, but I couldn’t let this opportunity pass by.”
However, Nunes, who was once told by Guardiola that he was one of the best in the world, has since been informed by the Spaniard that he’s not clever enough to play in midfield.
CM: Luka Modric
The Croatian bade an emotional goodbye to Real Madrid following an end to his trophy-laden 13-season stint with the Spanish giants.
That was in stark contrast to how he left Tottenham for Los Blancos, having gone AWOL on Spurs’ pre-season tour in 2012.
That came a year after Modric was left out of a match to face Man United following two rejected bids for his services from Chelsea.
“He’s not playing,” said Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp to talkSPORT. “His head’s not in the right place.”
A year later, Modric was fined two weeks’ wages, £80,000, for refusing to train and tour with Spurs before he finally joined Madrid.
“My one regret is that I didn’t win a trophy with Tottenham, despite us being a strong team who played good, attractive football,’ the Ballon d’Or winner told FourFourTwo in 2018.
“I’m sorry for the way I left. I wish we had parted in a nicer way. I hope fans understand that I followed my dreams.”
CAM: Clint Dempsey
Christian Pulisic sparked backlash this year for ruling himself out of Mauricio Pochettino‘s USMNT squad for the Gold Cup.
But perhaps he can’t be judged too harshly, considering he was following in the footsteps of his predecessor as US captain.
In July 2012, Dempsey pulled out of Fulham‘s pre-season training camp in Switzerland in the hopes of moving to Liverpool.
The American was fined for refusing to play for the club, with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers even admitting he made an inquiry about the player.
“That was very disappointing,” Fulham manager Martin Jol said. “There was never an offer. Clint himself told everyone he was going to Liverpool before he came back so we really thought there was quite a firm interest in him.
“Even [Brendan Rodgers] told everyone he was interested in Clint Dempsey, but our people never had an offer on the table, so it’s almost embarrassing. If you have shown interest in a player, especially in England, you have to follow it up with an offer. They didn’t.”
Tensions escalated when an article linked to the Liverpool owners’ official website suggested a deal for the midfielder was complete.
Fulham made a formal complaint, which they later withdrew, after receiving a written apology from Liverpool chairman Tom Werner.
Dempsey, who had been linked with a swap deal for Jordan Henderson, eventually joined Tottenham on deadline day.
LM: Dimitri Payet
The streets won’t forget the Frenchman’s wizardry on the pitch – as well as his antics off it that caused such a messy exit at West Ham.
Payet’s stunning first season in England had earned him an international call-up in time for Euro 2016 on home soil.
He had been named the Hammers’ Player of the Year as he inspired them to a seventh-place finish.
However, after just 18 months with the Hammers, Payet forced through a move back to his former club, Marseille in France.
He subsequently claimed he was bored with the defensive football Slaven Bilic’s side played and went on strike.
“I had given them a warning that I would do it, and maybe they thought I wasn’t serious,” Payet told French newspaper L’Équipe.
“Bilic knew that I wanted to go elsewhere. We discussed it at the start of the season when I returned from Euro 2016, but the club closed the door, and I respected their choice. When a club announces that you’re worth €100m, negotiations never get far. I could have gone to war last summer. August was badly managed.
“In January, I told them I wanted to go to Marseille and nowhere else. The day they told me no, and that it was definitive, I responded to them by saying I would no longer play with West Ham.”
ST: Pierre van Hooijdonk
A Premier League striker who returned to his home country to train with his former club while trying to force through a transfer.
No, Isak wasn’t the first – Van Hooijdonk had fired Nottingham Forest back to England’s top-flight in 1998 before looking to leave.
In a full circle moment, it was Newcastle who were interested in signing the Dutchman after he’d starred in that summer’s World Cup.
However, the Magpies were priced out of a move, leading Van Hooijdonk to go on strike and train with his old club, NAC Breda.
He has since told FourFourTwo: “In December 1997, I had the opportunity to go to PSV and I told [Dave] Bassett I wasn’t satisfied with the whole setup.
“He said: ‘I can’t let you go, we want to get back to the Premier League, you’re top goalscorer, I cannot defend myself if I sell you’. I said: ‘OK, but I want to go after the season.’ He said: ‘Get us back to the Premier League and we’ll let you go.’
“The first time I got upset was when there was a story in the newspaper that Newcastle wanted to pay £7 million and Bassett said: ‘He can only go for £10m’. But £10m in 1997 was ridiculous, that’s like trying to sell a cappuccino for £25 – it’s for sale, but nobody will touch it.”
ST: Carlos Tevez
The Argentine was one of the first superstars signed by Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi owners, following their big-money takeover in 2009.
However, just a year after his controversial move from Man United, Tevez had handed in a transfer request that fell on deaf ears.
In September 2011, the 2025 Soccer Aid star seemingly refused to come off the bench for City against Bayern Munich.
Tevez insisted that it had not been the case, and he simply did not want to take part in another warm-up for the Champions League tie.
Then-Man City manager Roberto Mancini said he wanted Tevez out before suspending and fining the forward, who fled to Argentina.
Tevez ultimately was back in the Etihad fold the following March after apologising, having seen a move to AC Milan fail to transpire.
He did manage to score four goals to help City claim their first Premier League title months later, before joining Juventus in 2013.
