Why the likes of McManaman can dispel this myth

What do Jermaine Pennant, David Beckham, Michael Owen and Jonathan Woodgate all have in common? No, they are not the latest players linked with a move to Manchester City. They are, in fact, players who have all plied their trade in La Liga.

The fact as to why there are only a handful more names that could be added to that list is a mystery. David Beckham’s success at Real Madrid and AC Milan should give hope to player who had previously been put off by the chance of playing abroad. Even Michael Owen, who despite spending just one season at Real Madrid, was successful and his 13 goals did not go unnoticed by the Madrid fans who, to this day, regret the clubs lack of effort to hold on to him.

United fans will have sensed some déjà-vu upon hearing the news linking Real Madrid with Wayne Rooney. Surprisingly the announcement from Spain was not the one they might have expected. In praising Rooney as ‘extraordinary’, Jorge Valdano went on to suggest English players struggle to adapt to life abroad.

Speaking to Radio COPE, Valdano claimed “Rooney is English, we all know they find it difficult to adapt to another type of competition other than the Premier League”

England’s latest representative in Spain is Jermaine Pennant. After joining Real Zaragoza last summer, the ex-Liverpool winger is already being linked with a move back to the Premier League.

The differences in playing style, culture and tradition can all be labelled as possible reasons but there is proof that, with some determination and a willingness to learn, success abroad can be rewarded.

Another ex-Liverpool winger had much better fortune in Spain. Steve McManaman spent the best part of his career at Real Madrid. Not only was he successful despite changes in management and on the club’s board but he was also twice voted as the Real Madrid supporters’ favourite player.

His part in Madrid’s eighth European Cup win saw him become the first English player ever to win Europe’s premier club competition with a foreign club.

The truth of the matter is that there is no specific reason as to why some players have struggled abroad. No doubt about it, the lure of the Premier League is unique. It may be that the lure is such that players would rather battle for a place in a British club, than up everything and move abroad.

The examples are there. Could it be that it’s the failures rather than the success stories that we prefer to remember?