Mathieu Flamini, the French veteran midfielder has completed his transfer to Crystal Palace on Thursday on a free transfer. The contract ties him down to Selhurst Park until the rest of the season.
The 32-year old Frenchman had been a free agent since Arsenal released the central midfielder in the summer as he went down the pecking order after the signing of Granit Xhaka.
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(Video Courtesy: Crystal Palace Twitter)
The Eagles boss Alan Pardew confirmed his interest in the defensive midfielder on Tuesday and two days later, Crystal Palace signed him on a free transfer.
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Flamini started his career in his hometown club Marseille and moved to Arsenal in 2004. He left Arsenal in 2008 but made a move back to the Emirates in 2013.
He left Arsenal with more than 246 appearances (24 last season) and 3 FA trophies under his belt, when he made his move to Italian giants AC Milan, where he won the Scudetto In 2011. The Frenchman also won three international caps for his country.
Pardew praises Flamini’s leadership
The Crystal Palace manager in an interview to The Guardian had this to say about his latest acquisition, “I thought it was important to get another midfield player. His playing ability will help us but also his leadership qualities and his ability of how to win games in a passing style. I am delighted that we have secured a player of his stature.”
(Video Courtesy: Arsenal Twitter)
Pardew’s side were in the race to sign Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere on loan, but the Englishman decided to join Bournemouth.
Mathieu Flamini comes to Selhurst Park with vast experience of playing for Marseilles and AC Milan and was a part of Arsenal’s invincible squad of 2004.
Flamini up for a new challenge
“Crystal Palace is a very ambitious club with great players and I am looking forward to being part of that squad. It is a very interesting challenge for me and I am very excited to be here. I have had chance to discuss the move here with Alan Pardew and he really helped me make my decision”, Flamini said to The Guardian after signing for the Eagles
Flamini had been without a club following his release from Arsenal and hence was eligible to sign for a club after the transfer window had closed. Following his transfer, he has been included in the Crystal Palace’s 25-man and will don the no. 4 kit.
Flamini is Crystal Palace’s sixth signing of the season, following the signings of Andros Townsend, Steve Mandanda, James Tomkins, Christian Benteke and Loic Remy.
Palace, who have a single point after three games, will play Middlesbrough on Saturday.
