Football, like any other industry is a business, and a large part of many of Europe's top leagues' revenues come from sales of tickets and other sporting merchandise.
Many fans often splash out the cash to acquire tickets to see their favorite stars in action, but if they are not fortunate enough to reside within the country where their favorite team plays, are equally keen to purchase kits bearing the names of the players they like to follow.
Of course, the authentic kits sported by the world's biggest stars don't come cheap, but for the most die-hard fans, it's a price worth paying. Still, for those who don't have the funds, there are always replicas both officially produced by the clubs and unofficially at any shop or street vendor in all nations around the world.
In the Premier League, it's not surprising that the biggest clubs produce the most kit sales, and at those clubs, it's the most significant stars. And, last season, despite Manchester United performing dismally, that didn't stop legions of Red Devils fans from spending big for their jerseys. In fact, the Premier League giants had four players in the top ten, with Dutch star Robin van Persie topping the list.
Perhaps due to their reach in Asia, Japanese star Shinji Kagawa also makes the top 10, in 9th place, whereas the other spots went to two Chelsea stars--Frank Lampard being no surprise and Eden Hazard.
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard finished behind RVP with now Barcelona attacker Luis Suarez earning third, despite his controversial reputation off hte pitch. And Arsenal's big money signing, Mesut Ozil, who arrived in a deal over £42 million, beat out all his other teammates to be the team's only representative in the top 10.
Here's who made the top ten for the 2013-2014 Premier League season:
1. Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
2. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
3. Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
4. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
5. Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
6. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
7. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
8. Juan Mata (Manchester United)
9. Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United)
10. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
