As far as controversial Premier League footballers go, they do not come much more contentious than Robbie Savage.
So, it was little surprise that the midfielder's switch from Birmingham City to Blackburn Rovers, which was finalised 10 years ago today, made plenty of headlines.
The 30-year-old handed in a transfer request at St Andrew's just after Christmas, having stated his desire to be nearer his parents, both of whom had been taken ill.
For a while there was stalemate between club and player, with Birmingham making the Welshman train alone and play for the reserves, where he was verbally abused by a section of supporters.
All the while, Blackburn, who were managed by Savage's old international boss Mark Hughes, were trying to thrash out a deal with their Premier League counterparts to take him to Ewood Park.
At least one bid was rejected by the Blues, but eventually an agreement, worth around £3.1m, was reached.
Speaking at his unveiling as a Blackburn player, a clearly angered Savage said: "Birmingham were using me like a punch-bag, I was getting knocked from side to side without being able to say anything. I have been getting hammered and I just had to take it.
"To be made to play for the reserves and train with the kids or train on your own when you are 30-years-old, a father, with 300 Premiership games and 40 caps is pretty poor really.
"I think it had gone too far and had become on a personal level. To treat me the way they did was something I could possibly never forgive them for."
Savage was also bitterly disappointed that Birmingham had dragged his parents into the row, with certain members of the club having pointed out that Blackburn was further away from Wrexham than Birmingham.
However, Savage, who was accused by some of being motivated by money, insisted: "For them to say the things they have done, to say that it was a sob story about wanting to be nearer my mum and dad, and for them to have their privacy invaded, that was the worst thing.
"I lived in Stratford-upon-Avon and it took me two-and-a-half hours to get to Wrexham. Now I am playing for Blackburn I will find a house in the Cheshire area 35 minutes' drive from my parents."
Savage went on to make exactly 100 appearances in all competitions for Rovers, before he left for Derby County during the winter of 2008.
Liam Apicella
