Conspiracy Theory

I remember in 2003 that Alpay wanted away from Villa. He'd fallen out with most of the players (He'd even had a full-on punch up with Angel on the training ground) and felt that since he was a 2002 World XI player he was worth more.

When England went to play Turkey for the Euro 2004 qualifier Alpay had a big bust up with David Beckham on and off the pitch. Because of the public rage that ensued, his place at Villa had become untenable. He was released by mutual consent and went back to Turkey to play for whoever he felt like.

I can't help but feel he did the whole thing on purpose.

I'm fairly sure that the rumours and 'quotes' linking Ronaldo with a move to Real Madrid happened after Portugal had beaten the Netherlands last Sunday. By which time he would have known that he'd be playing England on Saturday... Makes you wonder doesn't it?