Freedom of Istanbul for Nouma

Besiktas JK have continued their summer spending by bringing back French striker Pascal Nouma from Olympique de Marseille.

'Freedom again'
The 30-year-old has signed a two-year-contract in Istanbul. He will get €750.000 each year plus €30.000 per match. "Away from Besiktas I was in a prison," Nouma said. "When I feel the green grass of Inönü stadium and hear the fans singing, I will catch my freedom again."

Firm favourite
Nouma's previous spell with Besiktas came in the 2000/01 season, when he scored 18 goals in 24 matches. That feat broke the record for a number of goals in one season by a foreign player at Besiktas and established him as a firm favourite with the Istanbul club's passionate support. His aggressive playing style and some outstanding performances in European club competition also helped endear him to the fans.

Poor spell
He moved on to Marseille last season, but failed to match his time in Turkey. He endured a poor spell that saw just one goal scored in eleven appearances. Marseille were his sixth French club after a much-travelled career that has also taken in Paris Saint-Germain FC, RC Strasbourg and RC Lens.

Strong competition
Besiktas have now signed three strikers in two weeks after the acquisition of Romanian imports Daniel Pancu and Radu Niculescu. The wave of spending has followed injuries to key forwards Ilhan Mansiz and Ahmet Dursun, but once everyone is fit there will be strong competition for forward places at the club.