Ganea gets Bursaspor release
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Article summary
News round-up: Romanian international Ioan Ganea has left Turkish club Bursaspor by mutual consent.
Article body
Words of thanks
"Ganea has his reasons for leaving which he does not want to reveal, but he is very unhappy about going," said Popescu. Ganea's departure follows that of his compatriot and former Bursaspor coach Gheorghe Hagi last month. The 30-year-old, who has scored five goals this season for the Superleague team, said: "I want to thank the board for their understanding, and my team-mates and the fans for their support."
Kaiserslautern woes deepen
Cameroon defender Lucien Mettomo has added his name to the lengthy injury list at German club 1. FC Kaiserslautern. The 26-year-old suffered cartilage damage to his right knee during Saturday's Bundesliga defeat by FC Schalke 04 and will need an operation. He joins Miroslav Klose, Vratislav Lokvenc, Aleksander Knavs, Nzelo Lembi, Hany Ramzy, Dimitrios Grammozis, Ciriaco Sforza, Christian Timm and Thomas Riedl on the sidelines at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion.
Ajax promote young talent
AFC Ajax have promoted 17-year-old youth team winger Tom De Mul to their senior squad. The Belgian will join Ronald Koeman and his players on their training trip to Portugal in January. "This is the best day of my life," said De Mul, who joined Ajax in 2002 from KFC Germinal Beerschot and signed a three-year contract in May.
Tottenham tie up duo
Charlton Athletic FC defender Paul Konchesky has extended his loan spell at Premiership rivals Tottenham Hotspur FC by a month. The 22-year-old English international will remain at Tottenham until mid-January. "I know for a fact that I want to sign for Spurs," said Konchesky. The Londoners have also agreed a one-year contract extension with midfield player Rohan Ricketts. The 21-year-old is now tied to White Hart Lane until 2007.
Pennant stays put
Arsenal FC have allowed winger Jermaine Pennant to stay on loan at Leeds United AFC for a fifth month. The 20-year-old has impressed since his move to Elland Road in August. "He is bubbly in training and is the type of player that can put defenders under pressure and take people on," said Leeds caretaker manager Eddie Gray.
