Premier League - The worst emotional returns ever

Eurosport - Thu, 08 Jan 12:13:00 2009

Tottenham fans were in raptures on Tuesday night over the return of Jermain Defoe to White Hart Lane.

2008-2009 Tottenham Hotspur Jermain Defoe - 0

But as these examples show, it is not always a good idea to go back...

Juergen Klinsmann - Tottenham

Back in 1994 when the Premier League was in the shadow of Spain and Italy, Klinsmann was possibly the division's biggest ever signing. He played superbly, scored 21 goals and promptly scarpered for Bayern Munich - prompting Alan Sugar to say he wouldn't wash his car with Klinsmann's shirts. It was all smiles when he came back in 1997 aged 33, but it probably shouldn't have been. Although Klinsi bagged nine goals, the whole thing smacked of a self-serving farewell tour, and he spent more time exchanging applause with opposing fans than exerting himself on the pitch.

Robbie Fowler - Liverpool

Fowler was once the deadliest finisher in English football, piling up ludicrous goal totals including 28 in an electrifying 1995/96 league campaign. But Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier fell out of love with him and sold the heartbroken 'God' to Leeds in 2001. When Rafa Benitez offered him the chance to return in 2006, he signed on without even discussing wages. But Fowler was leaden-footed, injury-prone and frankly past it, and was quietly offloaded to Cardiff after just eight goals in 30 appearances.

Kevin Keegan - Newcastle (manager)

Like all good Messiahs, the Geordie one had a second coming when he was talked into returning to St James' Park by Mike Ashley in 2008. While his first spell was characterised by goals and breathless excitement, his second was filled with acrimony, bitterness and Dennis Wise. Too honourable for his own good, Keegan could not get to grips with the behind-the-scenes wranglings and left Newcastle a disillusioned man. Again.

Juninho - Middlesbrough

Everybody loved Juninho during his first incarnation when, along with Fabrizio Ravanelli, he briefly made Teesside one of English football's hottest destinations and produced some spellbinding performances. He secured iconic status with his tears after a tumultuous 1996/97 season in which Boro lost two cup finals and were relegated. The Juninho that returned in 2002 lacked the sparkle of yesteryear - although he did say that the 2004 League Cup meant more to him than winning the World Cup.

Kenny Miller - Rangers

Old Firm rivalries being what they are, few players have crossed the divide from one Glasgow giant to the other, and even fewer players have gone back again. Things have gone alright on the pitch for Miller since his return to Ibrox after a spell with Celtic in 2006/07 - seven goals in 16 games including two against the Hoops - Miller is not the most popular man among the Rangers faithful, although fans have at least stopped booing him at home games. Progress of a sort.

Christian Vieri - Atalanta

The much-travelled Italian veteran has 13 former clubs so it was only a matter of time until he signed for one of them. Vieri actually had two spells at Atalanta before he returned for a third stint in summer 2008. He was met with angry protests and jeered by fans who were angry that he had celebrated a goal for Fiorentina - scored against Atalanta in 2007 - with what they deemed excessive delight. "I didn't expect a reaction like this from the fans, they exaggerated things," said Vieri.

Alex Chick / Eurosport

Comment 38 - 57 of 57

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  1. I beg to differ.

    God's goal-scoring rate of "eight goals in 30 appearances" was actually much better than 90% of the other players!!!

    We gave him a send-off in his final game that brought tears to my eyes, and how can this be described as "quietly offloaded"???

    From Toh Yong, on Thu 8 Jan 12:42PM

  2. Thanks for the money Spurs, Dofoe is'nt all that anyway.
    Pompey Fan

    From Shane, on Thu 8 Jan 10:54AM

  3. Do your research. Klinsmann's goals in his second spell kept Spurs up.

    From Stephen, on Thu 8 Jan 10:52AM

  4. Totteringnigham Hottinghamspurs are Poo

    From Giskard, on Wed 7 Jan 11:49PM

  5. Defoe will never be more than a mediocre player. We dont want him back. Bring back Robbie Keane

    From denis, on Wed 7 Jan 11:21PM

  6. To be comparing defoes return to klismans or fowlers is strange as these players both did great things. Defoe had an average first spell and will no doubt have an average second.

    From Sean, on Wed 7 Jan 11:10PM

  7. Comment 52: -

    I don't remember a player called Sherinham.

    I remember Teddy Sheringham but no-one called Sherinham.

    From Paul C, on Wed 7 Jan 10:42PM

  8. Invalid comment.Invalid comment.Invalid comment.Invalid comment.Invalid cInvalid comment.omment.Invalid comment.Invalid comment.

    From sappercommando25, on Wed 7 Jan 10:36PM

  9. What an absolute load of rubbish! When Klinsmann returned to Spurs his goals helped to keep them up, and he scored them with both feet,his head, and with a 35 yard free kick!
    And does nobody remember that fella Sherinham?

    From ianpaulwilletts, on Wed 7 Jan 9:12PM

  10. in subject to comment 49 defoe didnt leave because he didnt want to play for the spurs he left for the love of and respect of harry which is a fine thing in football and now every pompey fan will think he is a trater for turning his back when he never this is a clear example of a player just loving the game its about time alot of other players looked at how defoe acts in the game and he is a prime example how they should be. its just a pity he wont be partenered with crouchy again cracking partenership and could of been englands top 2 if they played together long enough.

    From jafar2k_aberdeen, on Wed 7 Jan 8:07PM

  11. "Arry", needs to sort out the back and midfield before worrying about whos goin to stick it in the onion bag. It always has been a problem for years now.All great teams have a really solid defence/midfield.Spurs consecutive managers have pissed about with the defence-and all we have now is a bunch of slow onesided crocks.!!!!Get it sorted "Arry".before its 2 late...

    From justin.canaway, on Wed 7 Jan 7:47PM

  12. this guy is a judas he left you in the first place, so wheres his loyality? he obviosly didnt want to play for spurs when he left yet now all of a sudden he does, which suggests he is out for himself.

    From Skittles, on Wed 7 Jan 7:32PM

  13. One return which was definetly not a mistake was Mark Hughes coming back to United. He went on to many great goals and collected a bucketful of medals so just wait and see what happens.

    From Mervyn, on Wed 7 Jan 7:31PM

  14. from.danny blanchflower.!!! money now buys anything,all the kissing the shirts means nowt to the players doing it,change club change badge to kiss.BRING BACK LOCAL PLAYERS FOR LOCAL TEAMS.Get back to grass roots.

    From justin.canaway, on Wed 7 Jan 7:30PM

  15. Like I have stated earlier in another forum on the same subject, getting back with your ex employers is like getting back with your ex....things can never be the same as before. That's just how things are.

    From sappercommando25, on Wed 7 Jan 7:28PM

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  17. the foe is not and never will be a class act. Downing is a joke,overrated puppy.!!!!!!!

    From justin.canaway, on Wed 7 Jan 7:24PM

  18. Michelangeloindeed. here is one just for you. berk

    From R M, on Wed 7 Jan 7:04PM

  19. the guy below is a total jerk

    From RYAN, on Wed 7 Jan 6:53PM

  20. No mention of the biggest comeback since Lazarus??What about Jesus?First time around he was performing miracles left,right and centre(but notoriously bad on crosses).Came back and has done very little since,apart from rest on his laurels and live on his reputation......(complaints to "my burning soul,cell 3,Hell".)lol.

    From wedubguy, on Wed 7 Jan 6:42PM
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