In this feature we take a look at players who weren't scared to cross the divide and managed to upset some people along the way.
Here are our top ten biggest betrayals in football...
Eric Cantona: Leeds United-Manchester United
Eric Cantona helped Leeds to the 1991/92 title, forming a lethal partnership with Lee Chapman. Their rivals from across the Pennines finished second that year, and manager Alex Ferguson was under pressure to secure United's first title in 25 years. A routine phone call from Leeds manager, Howard Wilkinson, enquiring over the availability of Dennis Irwin, somehow led to the enigmatic Frenchman's move to Ferguson's side. The rest is now history, as Cantona inspired the Red Devils to four Premier League titles in the next five seasons, and Leeds fans were left with nothing but regret.
Luis Figo: Barcelona - Real Madrid
While there are several players who have "crossed the divide" in what is arguably football's greatest rivalry, few have done so with the controversy of Luis Figo. The Portuguese was adored by Barca fans, having helped them to two La Liga titles and was their star player. However, in 2000, he joined bitter rivals Real Madrid for a then world-record fee . When he returned three seasons later in a league match, he got a heated reception from the crowd and many started throwing objects at him as he took corners and throw-ins, including a pig's head.
Robin van Persie: Arsenal - Manchester United
The 31-year-old left the club after scoring 30 goals in whole competition in the previous season for Arsenal. His main objection was to find a new club which provide his need of trophy and tittle, as his career as football player will not last much longer. Arsenal`s boss, Arsene Wenger, had no choice except to let him go before he left on a free and the Dutchmen ended up rivals Manchester United.
Carlos Tévez: Manchester United - Manchester City
The talented, hard-working Argentine defied belief when he rejected Manchester United's offer of a contract in favour of joining Manchester City, in what was a strange deal between a third party claiming to 'own' Tévez. He wasn't first choice at United and was rightly upset about this. However, being a fan favourite meant United's support were not happy about the move.
Ronaldo - Barcelona - Real Madrid and Inter - Milan
The Brazilian forward represented Spain's two biggest clubs and the two Milan teams throughout a 12-year spell before injury struck and he returned to his homeland with Corinthians. He spared some of the hatred directed at Figo as he never transferred directly between the rival teams. His exit from Inter is not fondly remembered by Nerazzurri supporters, who witnessed their club patiently nurse the forward back from injury.
Make sure you keep a look out for tomorrow's second part of the feature. Which players do you think will make our next five players?
