At the time of writing, Nicolas Anelka has played for 13 clubs in seven different countries - many of which he departed on bad terms. In truth, the Frenchman is probably the most high profile journeyman footballer.

Indeed, by the age of just 20, the striker had completed a move to the third big European side of his career.

Having started out with his boyhood club Paris Saint-Germain, Anelka moved to Arsenal in 1997. Despite his tender years, the frontman eventually displaced legend Ian Wright in the starting lineup and went on to score some important goals for the North Londoners.

However, it was in the summer of 1999 that his stint at Highbury turned sour. Having been branded 'Le Sulk' by sections of the English media, Anelka was determined to leave the Premier League. Lazio had been strongly linked with his services, but it was 16 years ago today that Real Madrid came calling.

The Gunners had signed the youngster for £500,000 two years earlier, but following negotiations with their Spanish counterparts, they would receive £23m for the wantaway centre-forward.

Asked whether he would be watching his former teammates in action in the upcoming Charity Shield following his move to Madrid, Anelka replied: "Why should I? I'm no longer part of Arsenal and it doesn't interest me. To hell with the English people."

In return, Madrid agreed to let World Cup Golden Boot winner Davor Suker move to Arsenal, with a fee of around £3m having reportedly been agreed.

The Croatian had helped Los Blancos to win the La Liga title and the Champions League during his three years at the Bernabeu, but he had been deemed surplus to requirements following a dispute with head coach John Toshack.

"It was imperative that we strengthened the strikeforce at Arsenal before the start of the season and Davor is a special talent who will help boost our campaign," said Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

"He is a quality striker with experience in the Champions League and will undoubtedly be a great asset for us. During the World Cup [in 1998] he was outstanding. Everything about him was for the team."

Neither striker lasted too long at their new clubs, with Suker moving across London to West Ham United after just one season. In total, he found the net on 11 occasions in an Arsenal shirt.

As for Anelka, he also lasted an eventful 12 months, during which time he was banned by the club for his refusal to train. He did return to the team to help them win the Champions League, but he was sold back to PSG in 2000.