| SYLVAIN WILTORD | |||
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Full name: Sylvain Wiltord Nationality: French Born: 10th May 1974 Neuilly-sur-Marne (France) Height: 174m / 5'9" Weight: 78kg / 172lb Joined Arsenal: 26th August 2000 Arsenal Debut: Premier League v Chelsea (a) 6th Sep 2000 (Drew 2-2) Previous Clubs:Stade Rennais (Fra), Deportivo (Spa), Bordeaux (Fra) After a long and drawn-out saga over his signing, Wiltord was at last unveiled as a Gunners player for a club record �13million in August 2000 and immediately spoke of his high hopes for the season. Would have been keen to make as big an impact as he did for Bordeaux in 1999 when led his side to the French league title as top scorer with 22 goals in 33 games. Began his career at Rennes and also spent a term in Spain with Deportivo. Made his Arsenal debut against Chelsea in September 2000 and then took time to settle in England. Hasn't always endeared himself with his alleged comments about London life, English football and the squad system. But found the net regularly since January 2001 and scored in every round of the FA Cup with six goals in four games before missing out in the semifinal. No points for spotting that he didn't score in the Final either, which Arsenal lost to Liverpool. Quick, incisive and full of flair, the fact that manager Arsene Wenger was so dogged in his pursuit of the player speaks volumes about how highly he is rated. Career high point to date? That last-minute equaliser for France in the Euro 2000 final, shooting in from an angle to deprive Italy of victory before the French went on to claim the crown. Highbury faithful prone to muse on his failure to convert his status with the French national side to club football, even though he is surrounded by fellow Bleus at Arsenal. |
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