Juventus Transfers (2007-2008) (1 Viewer)

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Current Juventus roster 2007-2008​

1. Gianluigi Buffon 1978 GK
2. Alessandro Birindelli 1974 D RLC
3. Giorgio Chiellini 1984 D LC
5. Jonathan Zebina 1978 D RC
6. Cristiano Zanetti 1977 DM
7. Hasan Salihamidzic 1977 D/M RL
8. Mauro Camoranesi 1976 M RC
9. Vincenzo Iaquinta 1979 F C
10. Alessandro Del Piero 1974 AM L/FC
11. Pavel Nedved 1972 AM L
12. Emanule Belardi 1977 GK
13. Jess Vanstrattan 1982 GK
14. Jorge Andrade 1979 D C
17. David Trezeguet 1977 ST
20. Raffaele Palladino 1984 F C
21. Zdenek Grygera 1980 D RLC
22. Mohamed Sissoko 1985 DM
23. Antonio Nocerino 1985 DM
25. Guglielmo Stendardo 1981 D C
28. Cristian Molinaro 1983 D L
30. Tiago Mendes 1981 DM
31. Cristiano Novembre 1987 GK
32. Marco Marchionni 1980 AM RL
33. Nicola Legrottaglie 1976 D C

34. Cristian Pasquato 1989 F C
35. Simone Esposito 1990 M R
36. Luca Castiglia 1989 M C
37. Marco Duravia 1990 D C
38. Salvatore D'Elia 1989 D L
41. Nicola Cosentini 1988 M C
43. Lorenzo Ariaudo 1989 D C
45. Oussama Essabr 1989 F C

_________________________________________

2007-08 Transfers

IN:
Hasan Salihamidzic (Bayern Munich) - free
Zdenek Grygera (Ajax) - free
Domenico Criscito*** (Genoa) - €7.5m
Vincenzo Iaquinta (Udinese) - €11.3m
Cristian Molinaro (Siena) - €2.5m
Antonio Nocerino (Piacenza) - €3.7m
Sergio Almiron (Empoli) - €9m
Tiago Mendes (Olympique Lyon) - €13m
Daniele Gastaldello (Siena's ½) - undisclosed
Francesco Volpe (Ravenna's ½) - undisclosed
Cristiano Novembre (Fano) - undisclosed
Ciro Immobile (Sorrento) - undisclosed
Jorge Andrade (Deportivo La Coruna) - 10m €
Stefano Alba (Liventinagorghense) - undisclosed
Daniele Bompan (Focene) - undisclosed
Marco Bonassi (Pro Vercelli) - undisclosed
Amedeo Fabio Caiazzo (Rivoli) - undisclosed
Walter Carta (Ars Et Labor) - loan
Luca Giordano (San Lorenzo) - undisclosed
Matteo Liviero (Montebelluna) - undisclosed
Luca Promotton (Real Valee) - undisclosed
Davide Berto Boscolo (Venezia) - loan
Jess Vanstrattan (Verona) - loan
Carmine Esposito (Picentia) - undisclosed

Total: tba


OUT:
Igor Tudor (Hajduk Split) - 0m €
Robert Kovac (Borussia Dortmund) - 0m €
Federico Balzaretti (Fiorentina) - €3.8m
Andrea Masiello*** (Genoa) - 1.25m €
Abdoulay Konko*** (Genoa) - 1m €
Valeri Bojinov (Fiorentina) - returns from loan
Davide Chiumiento (FC Luzern) - undisclosed
Paolo De Ceglie (Siena) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Simone Bentivoglio (Chievo) - undisclosed
Viktor Boudianski (Ascoli) - undisclosed
Matteo Cavagna (Ravenna) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Stefano Dicuonzo (Ravenna) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Andrea Gasbarroni (Parma) - undisclosed
Douglas Ricardo Packer (Siena) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Andrea Rossi (Siena) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Giuseppe Sculli (Genoa) - undisclosed
Francesco Volpe (Ravenna) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Davide Lanzafame* (Bari) - loan
Andrea Luci (Ascoli) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Riccardo Maniero (Ascoli) - loan
Matteo Paro (Genoa) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Olivier Kapo (Birmingham City) - €2.3m
Landry Bonnefoi (Gijon) - undisclosed
Antonio Mirante (Sampdoria) - loan
Daniele Gastaldello (Sampdoria) - undisclosed
Rej Volpato (Empoli) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Sebastian Giovinco** (Empoli) - loan
Fabrizio Miccoli (Palermo) - 4.3m €
Dario Venitucci (Treviso) - loan
Pietro Zammuto (Piacenza) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Matteo Trini (Juve Stabia) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Francesco Volpe (Livorno) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Tomas Guzman (Piacenza) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Raffaele Bianco (Piacenza) - loan
Alessio Tacchinardi (Brescia) - released
Orlando Urbano (Potenza) - undisclosed
Andrè Cuneaz (Cremonese) - loan
Felice Piccolo (Empoli) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Claudio Marchisio (Empoli) - loan
Alessandro Bettega (Siena) - undisclosed
Andrea Pozzato (Tritium) - loan
Andrea Pisani* (Pistoiese) - loan
Stefano Di Berardino (Juve Stabia) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Alessandro Lepre (Vogherese) - loan
Samòn Reider Rodriguez (Cecina) - loan
Alessandro Rossi (Vogherese) - loan
Fabian Segale (Vogherese) - loan
Andrea Ciolli (Cecina) - loan
Francesco Camilli (Cecina) - loan
Giuseppe Rizza (Juve Stabia) - loan
Michele Paolucci (Udinese) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Giuliano Giannichedda (Livorno) - 0m €
Marcelo Zalayeta (Napoli) - co-ownership(undisclosed)
Manuele Blasi (Napoli) - co-ownership(1.7m €)
Lorenzo Russo (Catania) - loan
Matteo Merlo (Vicenza) - undisclosed
Luca Lagnese (Bellaria) - loan
Alessandro Vono (Valenzana) - loan
Alessandro Furgato (Casale) - loan

Total: tba

BIG TOTAL: tba


* right to buy ½ of contract.
** right to buy 100% of contract with counter-offer of the player's ½ in favor of Juve.
*** counts in Juve's 2006-07 financial books.

*************************************
*************************************

Winter mercato 2008

IN:

Fabio Cusano (Pizzighettone) - back from loan
Andrea De Paola (Cisco Roma) - loan
Matteo Tazzari (Ravenna) - undisclosed
Andrea Ciolli (Imperia) - back from loan
Andre Cuneaz (Cremonese) - undisclosed
Luca Indorante (Sangiovannese) - back from loan
Lorenzo Ternavasio (Filadelfia Paradiso) - back from loan
Guglielmo Stendardo (Lazio) - loan
Olof Mellberg (Aston Villa) - free (June 2008)
Mohamed Sissoko (Liverpool) - 11m € (+2m € bonuses)

OUT:

Domenico Criscito (Genoa) - loan
Ruben Olivera (Penarol) - loan
Sergio Almiron (Monaco) - loan
Jean-Alain Boumsong (lyon) - 3m €
Fabio Cusano (Biellese) - loan

 

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[Mark]

Hasan Salihamidžić

Date of birth: 01.01.1977
Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Position: Midfield (Left, Right)
Height: 1.80m
Weight: 77kg
Fee: - (Bosman)
Number: 7
Contract: 2011

Profile

A blend of immaculate defensive and attacking abilities have made the two-footed Hasan Salihamidžić an integral, and highly versatile, figure for both club and country.

Club
Having played schoolboy football for NK Turbina Jablanica and FK Velez, Salihamidžić left Bosnia-Herzegovina at his parents' urging at the age of 15 in 1992 and ended up with relatives in Hamburg. He made a name for himself with Hamburger SV, making his Bundesliga debut in March 1996. Bayern came calling in 1998, making him a German champion in 1999 and double winner the following season and the lightning-quick Salihamidžić played a significant role in the march to UEFA Champions League success in 2000/01. At the end of 2001, after another league success, he had the honour of being named Bosnia-Herzegovina's Player of the Year. He filled in at left-back and on the right of midfield as Bayern won a domestic double in 2004/05, but first-team football proved harder to come by as Felix Magath's men repeated that feat in 2005/06.

National team
A pivotal player in the Bosnia-Herzegovina national team, Salihamidžić is yet to play in a final tournament, although his country almost qualified for UEFA EURO 2004™.

Did you know?
Salihamidžić worked as a waiter to help fund his departure from his home country.

fcbayern.t-com: "Brazzo is the life and soul of the team. He's a positive influence in the dressing room, he always looks forward to the next challenge and even when we lose, he's big enough to stand up and be counted." Words of the highest praise from former boss Ottmar Hitzfeld for Bosnia international Hasan Salihamidzic, one of the game's genuine team players and the kind of professional who gives everything he has at all times. Two cruciate ligament injuries in the space of 12 months in 2002 and 2003 would have finished a lesser personality, but the all-rounder battled his way back to fitness and shared with Oliver Kahn the distinction of making the most league appearances for Bayern in 2003-4, 33 in total.

 

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Zdeněk Grygera

Date of birth: 05.14.1980
Country: Czech Republic
Position: Defense (Right, Center, Left)
Height: 1.85m
Weight: 78kg
Fee: - (Bosman)
Number: 21
Contract: 2012

Profile
Grygera has been the first-choice right-back for the Czechs since 2001, and he is also capable of being deployed as a central defender, a role he often performs at his Dutch club Ajax.

Strong in defence but tentative in moving up the pitch, 'Zdeno’ has emerged as a scoring threat in dead-ball situations.

He joined Ajax from Sparta Prague in 2003/04, winning the Dutch league title in his first season in Amsterdam. Having been recommended to Juventus by compatriot Pavel Nedved, Ajax were quick to sign the talented defender.




Grygera played for the Czech Republic at Euro 2004 and at the World Cup 2006 in Germany. Grygera was expected to leave Ajax during the summer of 2006 for an Italian club but because of the 2006 Serie A scandal, the deal fell through and Grygera kept playing for Ajax allowing him to leave Ajax in 2007 on a free transfer due to the Bosman ruling

In August 2006 there were rumours linking Grygera with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, although he responded to the speculation by insisting he does not see his future in the Premiership.

On 10 January 2007, it was confirmed by Ajax's technical director, Martin Van Geel, that Grygera would be moving to Juventus in a Bosman transfer when his contract with Ajax expires in June 2007. Grygera had already expressed his delight within the possibility of playing with one of his Czech compatriots, Pavel Nedved.





Grygera's joy at Juve interest
Friday, 19 January 2007

Zdeněk Grygera's diary

After a few days off in the first week of January, we spent nine days on a training camp in South Africa. AFC Ajax have a partnership with Ajax Cape Town and we used the same hotel and facilities as the last time we visited in 2005, so it wasn't a trip into the unknown.

Southern summer
Cape Town is a really nice city and the weather was very good: it's summer at the moment and temperatures were very high. It wasn't so comfortable for our training sessions but it was a nice change compared to the rainy days of Europe. We recharged our batteries and practiced some on-pitch moves. Off the pitch, we went on two trips: the first was to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and a few days later we went on safari. South Africa hosts the next FIFA World Cup and you can already see some signs of it. We saw some plans of what the new stadiums will look like. It's a huge event for the whole continent and they want to be ready.


Juve offer
I also have some other big news in my life: before our trip I heard that Juventus sent an official fax to Ajax with a formal offer for me. When we were in Cape Town, there was no communication between the teams because all the Ajax bosses were with us. They are in the process of talking again now and we will see what will happen. I know that Juventus want to sign me now but I can't do anything about it. It's between the clubs and I just have to wait. Obviously, I would be ready to go there this month. I've thought about this happening for a long time, ever since I decided not to extend my contract. If I move to Italy my dreams would come true.

Serie A chance
Juventus are still a top club. I follow their results and believe they will win promotion back to Serie A. I'm often in touch with Pavel Nedvěd, and he's also confident about their promotion chances. We spoke about Juventus and he told me he would be happy if I joined the club. My spell at Ajax may be close to an end but I have to say I have had some wonderful years here. We won a league title, played in the UEFA Champions League, and I have learnt a lot here. Ajax are a unique club, they play with their classic 4-3-3 style and always give opportunities to young players: as an example, there were another three or four players from the youth academy with us in South Africa.

Ajax development
During my years at Ajax, I became a more rounded defender. You cannot only defend and kick the ball away from your penalty area but you have to support the attack. This is typical for the Dutch league, which is why you sometimes get some crazy results. At Ajax it is not enough to win 1-0: you have to play attractive football. And when you play regularly in front of almost 50,000 fans at the ArenA, the pressure is high and you have a responsibility to perform. For me, Ajax are a big club and I know I made the right decision to join them back in 2002.

 

[Mark]

Domenico Criscito

Date of birth: 12.30.1986
Country: Italy
Position: Defense (Center, Left)
Height: 1.83m
Weight: 70kg
Fee: 7.5m €
Number: 19
Contract: 2011

Domenico Criscito is on his way back to Juventus. The Bianconeri have agreed sole ownership of the player with Genoa, who in turn will share the rights for the players Masiello and Konko with Siena.

Twenty last December, Criscito spent two years with the Juventus Primavera (2004/05 and 2005/06) under the guidance of Chiarenza. Here’s what the coach had to say:
“Technically he’s one of the best defenders I’ve both worked with and seen in the youth system. Despite his boyish looks he’s a guy who demands respect. He’s very good in the air, great at reading the game and is strong with the ball at his feet when he’s bringing it out of defence. With three at the back he tends to play on the left hand side, while in a four-man defence he can play either left back or left centre back”.

Criscito made his Italian Under-21 debut in 2006, where he met Raffaele Palladino, a future team mate and a great admirer of the defender’s qualities:
“He’s a great player, a real talent who can only get better with time, especially from a physical point of view. He’s a fantastic defender, he doesn’t let his man out of his sight and he’s very hard to get past in one-on-ones. Needless to say, he’s also a brilliant guy who I speak to often; it’s going to be great having him here”.

Claudio Marchisio was the captain of the Primavera side which, with Criscito in defence, won the Torneo di Viareggio and the league title. The midfielder can’t wait to have him back:
“I’m really pleased as in my opinion, he’s the most promising young defender in the Italian game. He has a great future ahead of him and I’m sure he’s more than ready for Serie A. I hope we can repeat the success we had together in the Primavera as senior players”.

 

[Mark]

Vincenzo Iaquinta

Date of birth: 11.21.1979
Country: Italy
Position: Striker
Height: 1.89m
Weight: 79kg
Fee: 11.3m €
Number: 9
Contract: 2012

Profile

Vincenzo Iaquinta is a complete and committed striker, who has a powerful shot with both feet, is very good in the air and is happy to track back in defence.

National team
Iaquinta represented Italy at Under-20 and U21 levels before making his senior debut in a friendly game against Iceland in March 2005. The striker then became a regular presence in the Italian squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Club
The striker started his career with amateur side Reggiolo Calcio, before spending the second half of the 1997/98 season at Padova Calcio in Serie B and the next two campaigns at Castel di Sangro Calcio in Serie C1.

2000: Iaquinta signed for Udinese Calcio and played 14 games scoring two goals during his first season at the Stadio Friuli. Usually a substitute in the following two seasons, he started 22 Serie A games in 2003/04 and scored eleven goals in all, also making his UEFA Cup debut.

2004/05: Iaquinta had his best season and scored 13 goals in 31 games leading Udinese to fourth place and to UEFA Champions League qualification. He then scored a penalty in each leg of the third qualifying round victory against Sporting Clube de Portugal, a 1-0 away win and 3-2 home triumph.

Did you know?
Under his Udinese shirt Iaquinta always wears a t-shirt printed with the face of his daughter and the legend "Sei grande papa" - "You are great, Daddy".

______________________

Vincenzo Iaquinta, (born November 21, 1979 in Cutro, Crotone) is an Italian World Cup-winning footballer , who currently plays for Udinese of Serie A. As many Calabrians in the 1980s his parents emigrated to Emilia-Romagna, in Northern Italy, because of better job opportunities.

Prior to joining Udinese, Iaquinta played with his brother in the lower divisions for Reggiolo (1996-97), Padova (1998), and Castel di Sangro (1998-2000). In 2005, for the first time he was called up for the Italian National Team. In his, and Udinese's first ever Champions League game, he scored 3 goals, which was quite a start to his European season. Iaquinta also had some troubles with Udinese about his wages and about him moving to another club. However, he remained in Udinese for 2006-2007 season.

He was a member of the Italian squad that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He scored Italy's second goal in their opening match against Ghana. He played in 5 out of 7 of Italy's matches including the semi-final and final.

___________________________

Iaquinta's 1st words as a Juventino: «I have grown year after year and after seven seasons in Udine it was time to take a step forward so that I can measure myself with the challenges that only a big club like Juventus can offer me. I believe I am the right age to make my dream come true. I'm aware that I've reached the top and that from now on everything will be harder because of the increased pressure. But I like pressure and I can't wait to start this new adventure. It's a great challenge, I face it with enthusiasm and I'm proud to have the chance to help take this team back to the top, both in Italy and in Europe».

 

[Mark]

Cristian Molinaro

Date of birth: 07.30.1983
Country: Italy
Position: Left Back
Height: 1.80m
Weight: 72kg
Fee: 2.5m €
Number: 28
Contract: 2012


Juventus have secured the full ownership of left-back Cristian Molinaro and completed the sale of Federico Balzaretti to Fiorentina.

Molinaro, who was at Siena in a co-ownership deal, enjoyed an excellent season and was a reported summer target for Roma.

The 23-year-old, who started his career with Salernitana, joined the Tuscan outfit in 2005 via Juve and scored one goal in 56 Serie A appearances during his time at the Franchi.

 

[Mark]

Antonio Nocerino

Date of birth: 04.09.1985
Country: Italy
Position: Center Midfielder
Height: 1.75m
Weight: 75kg
Fee: 3.7m €
Number: 23
Contract: 2010

Antonio Nocerino (born April 9, 1985 in Naples) is an Italian football (soccer) midfielder. He palyed for Piacenza Calcio in the 2006-2007 season and was bought back by Juventus for 3.7m €.

He start his career at Juventus F.C., after a loan spell at U.S. Avellino, Genoa C.F.C. bought him in co-ownership deal, as Domenico Criscito went to Turin, but after 2006 Serie A scandal, Juventus bought back Nocerino for provisional member of the team, and sent Nocerino to Piacenza in mid July.

 

[Mark]

Sergio Bernardo Almirón

Date of birth: 11.07.1980
Country: Argentina
Position: Midfield (Center)
Height: 1.80m
Weight: 76kg
Fee: 9m €
Number: 4
Contract: 2012

Sergio Bernardo Almirón (born November 7, 1980 in Rosario) is an Argentine football midfielder. As of 2006 plays for Empoli.

Football career

Son of Sergio Omar Almirón, he started his career at Newell's Old Boys. He was signed by Udinese in 2001.

He then loaned to Verona. In 2004, Empoli bought 50% of player right, and finally bought all from Udinese in June,2006.

______________________________


“I'm here to show everyone my worth; I'm ready to face any setbacks. I'll give my best, as I've always done. This is a new beginning for my career, something I'd been waiting a long time for”.

 

[Mark]

Tiago Cardoso Mendes

Date of birth: 05.02.1981
Country: Portugal
Position: Midfield (Center)
Height: 1.83m
Weight: 79kg
Fee: 13m €
Number: 30
Contract: 2012

Tiago Cardoso Mendes, OIH, better known just by Tiago (pron. IPA: [ti'agu]; born May 2, 1981 in Viana do Castelo) is a Portuguese football player who plays as a midfielder. Although commonly thought of as a defensive midfielder, he can contribute to his team's attack with passes and goals.

He was first noticed as a player for Sporting Braga B, the satellite team of Sporting Braga, at 1999-00. He moved to the main team the following season, and signed for Benfica, in January 2002.

He is part of the Portugal national team, since 20 November 2002, in a 2-0 win over Scotland. He reportedly caught the eye of Arsene Wenger in the close season of 2002-03, and was rumoured to have been one of the contenders weighed up by Arsenal to replace Patrick Vieira (who was supposedly leaving Arsenal) in 2003. Vieira eventually signed a new contract with Arsenal that year.

He moved from Benfica in the 2004 offseason to play in the English Premiership with Chelsea after a £10 million transfer.

In August 2005, he transferred to Lyon for £6.5 million, after not getting enough first team opportunities at Chelsea, under manager José Mourinho's squad rotation system. However, Tiago left a good impression on Chelsea fans with his robust performances and accurate passing, as well as 5 goals for Chelsea, the last of which was a long-range stunner against Manchester United in a 3-1 victory for Chelsea at Old Trafford. Many of whom were dismayed to see him leave, even though his departure facilitated the arrival of Michael Essien, who was moving in the reverse direction from Lyon to Chelsea. Tiago has often thanked Chelsea fans for making him feel appreciated during his stint with the club and has not ruled out the possibility of ever rejoining Chelsea.

Tiago has recently stated his desire to leave Lyon. AC Milan and Juventus are the two clubs interested in his signature but may be put off by the £15 million transfer fee touted by his current club.

Tiago's 1st words as a Juventino:

“I am pleased to be here and I want the supporters to know that I am sure we will compete for the Scudetto,” said the player to Tuttosport.

“I am a classic No 8 although I will wear the No 30 shirt at Juventus.

“In France they used to call me 'the washing machine’, because I can manage tricky balls, 'cleaning’ them and serving them to my teammates.

“Milan wanted me too, but Juventus were more decisive.”

 

[Mark]

Jorge Andrade

Full name: Jorge Manuel Almeida Gomes de Andrade
Date of birth: April 9, 1978 (1978-04-09)
Place of birth: Lisbon, Portugal
Height: 1.84 m
Weight: 74 kg
Playing position: Centre-back
Number: 14
Fee: 10m €
Contract: 2010

Jorge Andrade (pron. IPA: ['ʒɔɾʒ(&#616 ɐ̃'dɾad(&#616]), full name Jorge Manuel Almeida Gomes de Andrade, OIH, (born 9 April 1978) is a football defender who plays for RC Deportivo La Coruña.

While not completely sidestepping an education in the Portuguese top-flight in the manner of a Costinha or Pauleta, Jorge Andrade is another current international who has built his reputation largely via his exploits abroad.

The Lisbon-born 29-year-old’s debut for his hometown club Estrela da Amadora was during their most successful season ever as they finished 7th in the first division. Andrade caught the eye immediately, and in 2000 was on the move, north to Porto.

Porto years

Andrade’s stock as a centre-back of strength, poise, pace and capable distribution rose significantly during his time with the Dragons. He made his debut for the national side in November 2001, and he was Porto’s most-used player in the 2001/02 Champions League, playing 12 times as the team reached the second group phase.

After a pit-stop in South Korea for Portugal’s unsuccessful 2002 World Cup campaign, Andrade was snapped up by then-big-spending Deportivo La Coruna in a move that cost the Galicians in excess of €12m.


Andrade has been courted by numerous clubs on different occasions, including Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Barcelona, Valencia and Inter Milan. Andrade was part of the Portugal national team at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2004 and has scored 3 goals in 46 caps as of February 2006.[1]

There have been increasing reports of major clubs like Barcelona and Valencia courting Andrade in this season - although as of the 31st May, English side Arsenal have reportedly jumped to the front of the queue with a deal described as 'imminent'. New Reports, linking Andrade to Turin side Juventus on 2nd July, after newly appointed Manager Claudio Ranieri showed interest in the defender.

 

[Mark]

MERCATO WINTER 2008​

Guglielmo Stendardo

Position: Centre Defender
Number: 2
Nationality: Italian
Date of birth: 6 May 1981
Place of birth: Naples, Italy
Height: 190 cm
Weight: 89 kg
Fee: loan + rights to buy (12m €)
Number: 25
Contract: tba

Biography: Tall defender Stendardo was born in Naples, Italy on the 6th May 1981. The tough tackling defender has great aerial presence and has incredible power. He began his career with Napoli in 1997 but was only able to make one appearance for the first team due to restricted first team opportunities. He joined Sampdoria in January 1999 in order to try and gain some first team experience. The move was a success and he managed to appear in 32 league games. Stendardo was still not a first team regular as he may have hoped and as a result opted to move clubs. Therefore, in 2002 he signed for Salernitana just before the 2002-2003 season started, his move seemed like a good one as he began the season as a first team starter but he soon fell out of favour and he only managed to play in 17 league games. Stendardo needed to move again in order to play first team football and was thrilled when Serie B side offered him the chance of reviving his career with them. He made 42 appearances and gained many admirers from his good form, therefore Serie A side snapped him up the following season and he continued to flourish making 39 league appearances and using his aerial ability to score 3 times. His consistent performances were enough for Rome giants Lazio to make an offer and he signed for the Rome outfit in 2005.

Years--------Clubs---------Appearances (Goals)
1997-1998-----Napoli-----------------1 (0)
1998-2002-----Sampdoria-----------33 (0)
2002-2003-----Salernitana----------17 (4)
2003-2004-----Catania--------------42 (0)
2004-2005-----Perugia--------------39 (3)
2005-2006-----Lazio-----------------26 (1)
2006-2007-----Lazio-----

 

[Mark]

Olof Mellberg (June 2008)

Full name: Erik Olof Mellberg
Date of birth: September 3, 1977 (1977-09-03)
Place of birth: Gullspång, Sweden
Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight: 82 kg
Playing position: D RC
Number: tba
Fee: 0m €
Contract: 2011


Erik Olof Mellberg (IPA: ['uːˌlɔf 'mɛlˌbærj]) (born September 3, 1977 in Amnehärad, Gullspång) is a Swedish football player who currently plays club football for Aston Villa. Besides playing for Aston Villa, Mellberg is an established player for the Swedish national team, and used to captain the side but stepped down from the role after the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Shortly thereafter, he also abdicated as team captain of his club team.

Club career

Early career

Mellberg played for local side Gullspång before being picked up by then Swedish Premiership side Degerfors IF. After being relegated he joined capital club AIK, where he made an instant impression and was sold after just 10 months. Spanish side Racing Santander moved to secure the promising Swedish centre half, and although having a difficult time adjusting to Spanish football he soon claimed a starting berth and impressed in his first season. Continuing to play well, Mellberg was said to be on his way to several big Spanish sides, including Barcelona and Valencia.

Aston Villa

However, Aston Villa managed to secure his signature and ever since joining the Birmingham-based club he has been a vital part of the team. Mellberg was left out of boss David O'Leary's first side for a game against Portsmouth, but was soon made the captain of the club for the rest of his reign. Mellberg was a vital part of the team that finished 6th in the Premiership and reached the semi-finals of the league cup in O'Leary's first season.

Mellberg resigned as captain following the 2006 World Cup - he was replaced by Gareth Barry. New Boss Martin O'Neill continued to consider Mellberg as the first choice centre back and on the opening day of the 2006-7 Premiership season Mellberg became the first person to score in a competitive game at Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium. He has most recently has been played at the right back position following the immediate impact of Zat Knight alongside Martin Laursen at centre back.

It has been comfirmed that Mellberg has signed a pre-contract agreement, allowing him to move to Italian giants Juventus at the end of the season.

International career

Mellberg was a member of the Sweden national football team in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and 2006 FIFA World Cup, as well as the Euro 2000 and Euro 2004. He has scored 2 goals in 72 caps, as of July 2006.

During a public practise before the World Championships in 2002, Mellberg broke into a fight with West Ham's Fredrik Ljungberg, after a robust tackle from Mellberg. The two of them were quickly separated by team-mates. Since then, the two of them have been known for not being the best of friends, and in the World Cup 2006, Mellberg and Ljungberg, according to leak from inside the team, had a very fiery argument, after Sweden's draw with Trinidad and Tobago.

In 2003, he was selected as the best Swedish player of the year, winning the Guldbollen.

On September 4, 2006, Mellberg, along with Sweden teammates Zlatan Ibrahimović and Christian Wilhelmsson, was sent home from the national squad for breaking an 11 pm curfew ahead of a European Championships qualifier against Liechtenstein .

On October 7, 2006, Mellberg returned to Sweden's lineup for their European Championships qualifier against Spain, which they won 2-0.

Personal life

Although he isn't married, Mellberg has two children by long term partner Carolina Kihl. Daughter Saga was born in December 2002 and son John was born in July 2006. Mellberg and his family currently live in Sutton Coldfield in the Midlands, England.

Honours / Achievements

Aston Villa

* Intertoto Cup Winners (2001)

Personal

* Swedish player of the year (Guldbollen) (2003)

 

[Mark]

Mohamed Sissoko

Full name: Mohamed Lamine Sissoko Gillan
Date of birth: 22 January 1985 (1985-01-22)
Place of birth: Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
Height: 1.89 m (6 ft 2+1⁄2 in)
Weight: 84 kg
Playing position: Defensive Midfielder
Number: 22
Fee: 11m € (2m € bonuses)
Contract: 2013


Mohamed Lamine Sissoko Gillan (born 22 January 1985 in Mont-Saint-Aignan, France), often referred to as Momo Sissoko . He is a French born footballer who represents Mali at international level and who currently plays for Liverpool F.C. (in the English Premier League). Sissoko is a tough tackling defensive midfield player. He is often compared to Patrick Vieira due to his playing style.[2]

Sissoko is the nephew of Mali and Valencia CF former African Footballer of the Year Salif Keïta.

Player profile

Sissoko has two brothers who also play football professionally; Ibrahim, currently plays for , Championship club West Bromwich Albion F.C. and Abdul for AJ Auxerre.

Liverpool

Sissoko moved from Valencia CF to Liverpool F.C. in the summer of 2005 for a fee reported to be € 8m. He had been expected to sign for Liverpool's rivals Everton but ultimately plumped for the opportunity to work again with former Valencia boss, Rafael Benítez.

Sissoko is seen by some in the game as a future midfield star of European football. Liverpool manager, Rafael Benítez, showered praise upon him when he said Sissoko possessed "incredible ability for his age" and similar qualities to Frenchman Patrick Vieira.[2] His early career, like Vieira's, has been marked with disciplinary problems as he tends to pick up yellow cards for late or reckless tackles. However, his fierce competitiveness has been effective for Liverpool, and he soon became something of a fan's favourite as shown in the tribute by Liverpool fans in the form of a large Mali flag with the Scouse phrase "Momo Is Boss" adorning it. There were fears for Sissoko's eyesight in his right eye after his retina was severely damaged after he was accidentally kicked in the head by SL Benfica's Beto in the first leg of their Champions League knockout round tie in February 2006. Sissoko has made a recovery and returned in the 6th round of the FA Cup against Birmingham City wearing a pair of goggles, where Liverpool won the game 7-0.

The 2006–07 season got off to a flying start for Sissoko with victory for Liverpool in the FA Community Shield and Sissoko taking the man-of-the-match award. Sissoko's season had been put on hold due to an arm injury he suffered at Birmingham City in the Carling Cup in early November. On 29 January 2007 it was announced that Sissoko would be fully fit for Liverpool's local derby match against Everton on 3 February [5]. However,he made his comeback from injury by playing against Newcastle in a game which Liverpool lost 2-1.

Sissoko's first real test after coming back from injury was in the Champions League against F.C. Barcelona, the holders. Sissoko was awarded the Man of the Match award by Uefa. However for the remainder of the season he would compete for the holding position in the centre of Liverpool's midfield with newly arrived Argentine Javier Mascherano. He would be largely unsuccessful, and Mascherano started in the 2007 UEFA Champions League Final ahead of Sissoko. This led to people questioning whether he would leave Liverpool, with notable clubs such as Juventus and Barcelona reportedly interested. However on the 28th June, Sissoko signed a contract to extend his Liverpool career a further 4 years, keeping him at Liverpool Football Club until 2011.[6] It was later revealed that Sissoko had indeed received an offer from Juventus, but he turned them down as Liverpool are a 'bigger club'.[7]

On 25th August 2007, in a match against Sunderland FC at the Stadium of Light, Sissoko started in place of the injured Steven Gerrard in Liverpool's central midfield. In the match, Sissoko finally scored his first ever competitive goal in his club career, a long-range first-time effort from 25 yards out, assisted by Andriy Voronin. It was Sissoko's first domestic league goal in his career, on his 75th appearance for the club. The goal also marked Liverpool's 7000th goal in league football.

Sissoko has publicly expressed interest in leaving Liverpool in the 2008 January transfer window. A host of top clubs were interested, but the player has announced that a deal is likely to take place with Juventus.[8] In January Sissoko completed the transfer to Juventus and is now playing for the Italian powerhouse.

Honours

Valencia

* 2003–04 Spanish Primera División
* 2003–04 UEFA Cup
* 2004 European Super Cup

Liverpool

* 2005 European Super Cup
* 2005–06 FA Cup
* 2006 FA Community Shield