Former Arsenal Forward Lucas Perez paid his own Transfer Fee

Have you heard of a footballer who paid his own transfer fee? Yes, you heard it right. In January 2023, former Arsenal forward Lucas Perez shocked everyone when he requested a transfer from La Liga club Cadiz to Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish third division. When asked the reason for the switch, Perez answered that he could not see his boyhood club struggling in the third tier. He was so desperate to help the club that he even paid a part of the transfer fee from his own pocket.

At 34, you might think it was Lucas' retirement plan. But it wasn't. He was having a decent season at Cadiz. After the mid-season switch, he netted nine goals and provided eight assists in 21 games. But it was not enough for Deportivo's promotion. However, the following season, with 16 goals and 19 assists in 35 appearances, Perez steered his beloved club back into the second division after four years. Inspiring. Isn't? Would you do the same for your boyhood club? Let us know in the comments.