5 Premier League Players Who Returned To Their Former Clubs | OneFootball

There’s always something striking about a footballer finding their way back to where it all began. It might be a sense of unfinished business, loyalty to the supporters, or simply wanting to relive a special connection with their former club.

When a player comes home and pulls on those familiar colours again, it often stirs memories and stokes excitement in the fanbase. These returns don’t always go to plan, but they are never without a story.

Let’s take a look at five Premier League players who just had to answer the call of their old clubs, and see what happened when they did. And, if you’re excited ahead of the new Premier League season, head over to Bet442 for the latest football odds.

Didier Drogba – Chelsea

Didier Drogba stands out as a Chelsea legend, ranking among the club’s top scorers of all time. After joining the Blues in 2004, he helped secure several league titles and played a vital role in their famous Champions League win in 2012 by scoring both the equaliser and the decisive penalty.

Though Drogba left Chelsea that same year, his relationship with the club was far from finished. In 2014, he made a thrilling one-season return, much to the joy of supporters.

During this spell, Drogba used the experience he’d picked up over the years to help guide younger players, while also scoring a few key goals. His homecoming captured just how deep the bond was between player and club.

Wayne Rooney – Everton

Wayne Rooney’s journey began at Everton, the club he supported as a boy, before his headline-making move to Manchester United. Over the years, he became an icon for both club and country.

After thirteen campaigns with United, Rooney headed back to Goodison Park in 2017. Evertonians welcomed him back with open arms.

Returning to Merseyside, Rooney used everything he had learnt throughout his career, scoring highlights such as his goal from the halfway line against West Ham. Though his second spell lasted just a single season, it held deep meaning for fans, as mentioned earlier.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo first arrived at Manchester United as a teenager in 2003 and became a central figure during a hugely successful period, as explained previously.

Having moved on to Spain, then Italy, few expected him to return. However, in 2021, Ronaldo made a high-profile comeback to Old Trafford.

His return set the football world talking, and supporters were delighted to see him back among the goals in a red shirt again. While this chapter came with its own challenges, fans had long anticipated the moment, making it a memorable period for the club.

Thierry Henry – Arsenal

Thierry Henry is firmly established as one of Arsenal’s biggest legends. His first spell saw him become the Gunners’ all-time leading scorer and a fan favourite at Highbury and the Emirates.

Henry left for Barcelona in 2007; nevertheless, he couldn’t stay away for good. In 2012, he made a heartfelt return to Arsenal through a short-term loan.

Despite being in north London for only a few games, Henry made an impression, notably netting a late winning goal against Leeds in the FA Cup. His brief return reminded everyone of the excitement and quality he brought to the club.

Gareth Bale – Tottenham Hotspur

Gareth Bale first rose to prominence at Tottenham, where his pace and skill on the wing lit up the Premier League. His performances led to a move to Real Madrid in 2013.

Following several successful years abroad, Bale came back to Spurs on loan in 2020. This created a buzz amongst fans, who were eager to see his attacking flair back at the club.

His return provided a handful of memorable moments and showcased his talent once more, even if just for one season. For supporters, seeing Bale back at Tottenham was a welcome reminder of what he had achieved in his earlier years.