United swoop for Heinze
ByReuters
Published 11/06/2004 at 12:13 GMT
Manchester United have strengthened their defence with the signing of Argentine Gabriel Heinze from Paris St Germain on a five-year deal for 10.5 million euros. The 26-year-old, who has seven caps for Argentina, is United's second signing in the close sea
Eurosport
Image credit: Eurosport
United confirmed the transfer to the London stock exchange on Friday.
"We have been monitoring Gabriel for a long time and he demonstrates all the qualities of the top Argentine defenders -- strength, speed and excellent technical ability," said manager Alex Ferguson in a statement on the club's website.
"He can play either as a central defender or a left back and this flexibility means that he is a great acquisition for the club."
United finished third in the premier league last season, behind champions Arsenal and Chelsea. They also failed to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in eight years.
The team suffered defensive problems following the eight-month suspension of centre-back Rio Ferdinand, who missed a drugs test last September. Ferdinand will not be able to play again until September 20, over a month into the new season.
"Words cannot describe how keen I am to help win the title back," Heinze said in an interview on the club's website.
"When you come to a club like Manchester United, you know the demands and the expectations are very high. And that makes your desire even higher."
Heinze joined PSG, who finished second in France's Ligue 1 last season, in 2001 from Real Valladolid after starting his professional career at Newell's Old Boys.
United also said on their website that Bundesliga champions Werder Bremen were interested in signing their Brazilian midfielder Kleberson on a loan deal.
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement