'Julien Faubert To Real Madrid Is Still The Most Bizarre Transfer Ever

On 31 January 2009, for reasons still unclear, Real Madrid completed the loan signing of West Ham right-back Julien Faubert.

The Frenchman hadn't exactly set the world alight at West Ham and the man himself thought it was a joke when he heard about interest from Los Blancos.

He had the usual unveiling at the Bernabeu: a press conference and then the presentation/kick-up session in front of Real fans, but the memorable moment of his big day was Alfredo Di Stefano looking like he had seen a ghost when stood next to Faubert.

Never forget Alfredo Di Stefano’s reaction to Real Madrid signing Julien Faubert. pic.twitter.com/ApEN5BnZqw

— Jack Pierce (@Jackpierce88) January 31, 2019

ON THIS TRANSFER DAY: In 2009, Real Madrid signed Julien Faubert from West Ham on loan.

He made just two appearances for Los Blancos, missed training and fell asleep on the bench. 😂 pic.twitter.com/Bh75GGLw5O

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 31, 2019

Faubert lasted just six months, playing just two games (54 minutes of football) and famously falling asleep on the bench during a game against Villarreal - though he later claimed in an interview with Four Four Two that he was just closing his eyes because he was bored.

Hace 10 años Julien Faubert fichó por el Real Madrid. Jugó sólo 54 minutos y se quedó dormido en el banquillo en un partido vs Villarreal. pic.twitter.com/ELp3LFsjyK

— Ricardo Torres (@FantasiaFutbol) January 31, 2019

The former Bordeaux man made €28,000 euros per minute and is even said to have missed a training session because he thought it was a day off. His time in the Spanish capital really is the stuff of legend.

After the bizarre stint in Madrid, Faubert returned to West Ham and ended up playing over 100 appearances for the Hammers.

He then had a short spell in Turkey with Elazigspor, returned to Bordeaux for a second spell, and later turned out for Kilmarnock, Finish outfit Inter Turku, before having a crack in Indonesia with Borneo, who released him in July 2018.

source https://www.sportbible.com/football/news-julien-faubert-to-real-madrid-is-still-the-most-bizarre-transfer-ever-20200801