Part 1: Footballers Who Have Featured In Both Halves Of The San Siro
Edgar Steven Davids began his career at Ajax and then moved on to clubs like AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, Internazionale, and Tottenham Hotspurs after which he settled at Crystal Palace, where he currently plays.
He made his debut for Ajax in September 1991 with a 5-1 win over RKC Waalwijk. He was a part of the team when the Amsterdam club won three domestic Eredivisie titles, the UEFA Cup and the Champions League. He became an important part of the squad and was nicknamed “The Pitbull” by Louis van Gaal, the Ajax manager, because of his aggressive style of play. Davids was precise, yet fierce in midfield and was an important influence especially in Europe.
It was in the 1996-1997 season that Davids moved to AC Milan. He had an unsuccessful season with the Italian giants where he failed to establish himself in the first team and was mostly a bench warmer.
He moved to rivals Juventus in 1997, where he spent six successful years, helping the club win the Seri A title in the years 1998, 2002 and 2003. Marcello Lippi, the Juventus manager described Davids as “my one-man engine room,” such was his importance with the club. However, his career took a downward turn as he was suspended by FIFA when he tested positive for using illegal substances. Nonetheless he was inspirational in Europe, playing some 15 times as his side made it to the Champions League final in the 2002-2003 season only to lose out to former club Milan.
He joined Barcelona in 2004 on a loan from Juventus. He joined midseason and helped Barcelona avoid mid table mediocrity. Under manager Rijkaard Davids he blossomed despite his late arrival and Barcelona finished second to Valencia in the La Liga. Pundits have suggested that it was Davids who led the Catalan club to its dominating ways in Spain and Europe. The following season, still under Rijkaard, Barcelona won the La Liga and the Champions League in the 2005-2006 season.
It was in the summer of 2004 that he moved to the other Milan, Internazionale. His move was to be permanent and he signed a three year contract. However, he did not seem to fit with the club and Inter terminated the remaining years of his contract next summer in 2005 after which he moved to Tottenham Hotspurs on a free transfer. He was an instant hit, becoming a fan favorite and was seen essential in their finishing in the 5th position during the 2005-2007 period.
In 2007 he returned to his first club, Ajax and fittingly his first match came against old rivals Feyenoord. His performance improved further in the full season following the mid season switch before. He was a key player for the Dutch side as they lost out the League title because of one goal to PSV on the final match day. As disappointing as the League campaign had been, led by Davids Ajax managed to do better in the cup competitions. Davids was the final penalty taker in the final for the KNVB Cup, which they won against AZ.
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