National sign Prodan

FC National Bucuresti have signed Romanian international Daniel Prodan on a two-year contract after he saw moves to Everton FC and FC Energie Cottbus fall through because of injury fears.

Knee trouble
The 29-year-old former FC Steaua Bucuresti player moved abroad four years ago and played for Club Atlético de Madrid and Rangers FC. However, persistent knee trouble kept him out of the Scottish club’s first team and he returned to his homeland 19 months ago, playing one game for Steaua in the 1999/00 season.

Back in the fold
He spent the next campaign at AS Rocar Bucuresti, where he managed to work his way back into the national team after an absence of four years despite the club's relegation.

Summer move
Capped 54 times by Romania, Prodan, who starred at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and Euro 96™, looked set for a summer move to the FA Premiership but Everton manager Walter Smith was unprepared to take a gamble on his fitness.

Return to Romania
After a move to Energie fell through in similar circumstances, Prodan returned to Romania and began training on his own until hooking up with National.