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Europe's top five one-club players

Following the death of Sir Tom Finney, Sports Mole looks at five one-club men currently playing in European football.

Earlier it was confirmed that Sir Tom Finney passed away last night at the age of 91.

The former England international was respected throughout the football world, but he was a real hero at Preston North End, having spent his entire playing career at Deepdale.

With that in mind, Sports Mole has picked out a current player from each of Europe's top five divisions (England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France) that are one-club men.

1. Ryan Giggs, Manchester United (959 appearances)
At the age of 40, one of the Premier League's most decorated footballers is still playing. Having made his debut during the 1990-91 season, Welshman Giggs has won 13 English titles, four FA Cups, four League Cups and two Champions Leagues, among other honours. Although he is still on the playing books at Old Trafford, Giggs is also part of David Moyes's coaching staff.

Celebrating with Ryan Giggs and Eric Djemba-Djemba at Middlesbrough in early 2005. Fletcher scored his first United goal that evening.© Getty Images

2. Xavi, Barcelona (707 appearances)
When you consider all the players that have represented Barcelona, not one of them has featured for the Catalans on more occasions than Xavi. Having risen through the ranks at La Masia, the midfielder made his first competitive outing for the senior side in the Spanish Super Cup against Mallorca. Since then, the 'puppet master' has won 22 trophies with the Camp Nou-based outfit, including seven La Liga titles.

Xavi prepares to take a corner for Barcelona against Sevilla on September 14, 2013.© Getty Images

3. Francesco Totti, Roma (695 appearances)
Upon signing a new contract last September to remain with Roma until 2016, Totti said: "It gives me the chance to wear the shirt of the only team I have ever supported for two more years, two years in which I will give my all for the club." At the age of 16, the Italian attacker made his first appearance in the Giallorossi colours and has gone on to become a hero among the Roman faithful.

Francesco Totti of AS Roma celebrates scoring the second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale Milano and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 5, 2013© Getty Images

4. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Bayern Munich (455 appearances)
When Schweinsteiger broke into the Bayern starting lineup in 2002, he did so as a wide player that could operate as either a winger or a full-back. At the time, there was certainly no sign that he would become one of Europe's best central midfielders. Over the years, though, that is where he has made headlines, often turning out impressive performances in front of the German club's back four. The 29-year-old was a key component as Bayern won the treble last season.

Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger sits on the bench during a game with Hoffenheim on March 10, 2012© Getty Images

5. Marc Planus, Bordeaux (365 appearances)
Thirty-one-year-old Planus debuted during the 2002-03 campaign, playing 17 times in defence. Since that point, he has won the Ligue 1 title, the French League Cup and Coupe de France. The Bordeaux-born defender also doesn't seem to have plans to play for anyone else, having said: "I do not want to have a statue here. It is privilege enough to have been able to have a career in front of my own family."

Marc Planus of Bordeaux in action during the Ligue 1 match between LOSC Lille Metropole v FC Girondins de Bordeaux at the Grand Stade Lille-Metropole on March 3, 2013© Getty Images

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5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
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8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
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13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
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19Southampton10118719-124
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