Jack Butland's refreshing decision to stay and play for Birmingham rather than sit on the Chelsea substitutes bench, presumably for far more money, has got us here at Metro thinking of a few other players who stayed loyal to their roots.
Let's be honest, there haven't been too many in recent years who have been able to let their hearts overrule their heads when the big clubs come calling.
But there are one or two exceptions to the rule….
Steve Bull
Born and raised in the Black Country Bull enjoyed a 13-year spell with Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring a club record 306 goals. Although he spent virtually all of his career outside the top-flight – he played just four times in the old First Division for West Brom before being sold to Wolves – his performances were enough to earn him 13 full England caps, scoring four goals.
A whole host of big clubs were believed to have come in for him over the years – including Newcastle, Torino and Celtic – but the local lad always preferred to stay true to his Midlands family.
Matt Le Tissier
Le Tissier was the archetypal 'one-club man' spending his entire 16-year playing career in the red and white of Southampton. There were many who believed his mercurial talent deserved a bigger stage than the Dell or St Mary's and both Chelsea and Tottenham came close to persuading the England international to move away from the south coast.
However, the sublimely skilful striker always opted to stay, earning him legendary status amongst the Saints faithful who still refer to him as 'Le God' to this very day.
Steven Gerrard
Before we upset any Liverpool fans here, of course we know the Reds are a massive club, but Stevie G's decision to reject the millions on offer at Chelsea is still worthy of a mention in the loyalty stakes.
It was the summer of 2005 and Gerrard was at the height of his powers having just guided the Reds to their Champions League miracle comeback against AC Milan. Down in west London Jose Mourinho has identified the midfield dynamo as the Premier League champions perfect marquee summer signing.
With Spanish giants Real Madrid also sniffing around, Roman Abramovich dusted off his cheque book and Gerrard's switch to Stamford Bridge seemed all but done, before a dramatic U-turn saw the Reds' legend commit his future to Anfield and sign a new four-year deal.
Alan Shearer
In 1996 Shearer was the most sought after striker in England after firing the national side to the semi-finals of the Euros, before more penalty heart-break followed against the Germans.
Super Al was heading for a world record £15million move away from Blackburn Rovers and was given the ultimate choice – join Manchester United and go on to win countless trophies, or, join his boyhood heroes Newcastle United and go on to win, well, pretty much nothing.
Shearer opted for the latter, earning plenty of respect from all the footballing romantics out there and upsetting Sir Alex Ferguson in the process. Bonus.
Daniele De Rossi
And here's one for the connoisseurs of European football. Manchester City had been pursuing De Rossi for much of last summer and were convinced that the offer of £130,000 per-week would be too good for the Italian schemer to turn down.
However, De Rossi had other ideas and decided to strike a blow against those that label footballers as nothing more than mindless mercenaries.
'I’m staying for this team, for the affection of the fans, because I am a Roman and because I believe in this project,' the noble midfielder announced. 'I feel good here. I haven’t asked anyone to leave. What I promise is that the day I want to leave Roma to win the Champions League or to earn more money, I’ll say so publicly.'
~Metro » Football | Metro UK~Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com/2013/01/30/just-like-jack-heres-five-more-players-who-proved-loyaltys-not-dead/
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