Intelligent and
articulate, Ruud Gullit is undoubtedly one of the
greatest players modern football has produced. His all-around approach to the game is typically
Dutch, blending
superb individual
skill with a capacity to fit into the framework of a team. However, his strong opinions on how the game should be played have often led to off the field
quarrels with bosses at both domestic and international level.
Gullit began his
career playing as
sweeper for
Haarlem in 1979 and within two years had established himself in the
Dutch national side. A year later he
transferred to
Feyenoord where he picked up winners' medals in the League and Cup in 1984, this time playing as an
attacking midfielder. As could be expected, he made the positional switch with characteristic ease. In 1985 he moved to
PSV Eindhoven but stayed for only two seasons before signing to
Italian giants
AC Milan for a world record £6.5 million. At this point Gullit established himself as a
genuine star; first he was honoured with the
European Footballer of the Year and
World Footballer of the Year awards in 1987, then a year later he captained
Holland to
European Championship glory and
Milan to the
Serie A Title.
A recurring
knee injury over the next couple of seasons caused
concern, but could not prevent Gullit's
participation in the
Milan team that became the
dominant force in
world football. He helped lift the
European Cup twice (1989 and 1990),
European Super Cup and
World Club Championship in addition to regular honors on the domestic scene.
Six
glorious years at
Milan ended when, after a series of disagreements with
coach Fabio Capello, Gullit found himself unable to hold down a regular first team place. He
transferred to
Sampdoria for the 1993/94 season, returned briefly to
Milan then rejoined "Samp" where he maintained superb form. He finally ended his
Italian adventure in 1995 by completing a shock move to
Chelsea, where he eventually took over the role as player/manager. He spent almost 3 years at
Chelsea, before his sacking and replacement by
Gianluca Vialli. Gullit
subsequently took over
Newcastle United but resigned less than a year later.
He hasn't been heard from since.