Van Wonderen to retire
Wednesday, January 7, 2004
Article summary
News round-up: Feyenoord defender Kees van Wonderen will retire in the summer.
Article body
'Not a hard decision'
"I didn't find it a hard decision to make," said the 35-year-old. "I've had enough. I made the decision in December and I stand by it completely. I don't know what I'll do now, I'll look around first, but I would expect to continue in football." Van Wonderen, who only became a professional at 22, moved to Feyenoord in 1996 from NAC Breda, helping them win the Dutch championship in 1999 and the UEFA Cup in 2002.
Tininho on the move
Another of Van Wonderen's former clubs, NEC Nijmegen, have announced their first new signing for the 2004/05 season. The Brazilian Tininho will join the club in the summer on a free transfer from RBC Roosendaal. The 26-year-old, who can play on the left side of defence or midfield, has been at Roosendaal since joining from Feyenoord in 2001.
Walker departure
Meanwhile, Dutch league leaders AFC Ajax have let defender Américo Walker return to Brazil after his contract, due to run until 2005, was cancelled by mutual consent. Walker is set to join CA Mineiro.
Ystaas delight
Norwegian Under-21 international Kristian Ystaas has left Sogndal IL and signed a four-year contract with SK Brann. "This is a boyhood dream come true for me," he said. The 20-year-old can play in midfield but prefers a more attacking role, which Brann are expected to grant him.
Cipriani loan
In Italy, UC Sampdoria have signed 23-year-old striker Giacomo Cipriani on loan from Serie B side Piacenza FC. The former Italian Under-21 international is the joint property of Juventus FC and Bologna FC, who loaned him out originally. In exchange, 24-year-old Corrado Colombo, whose registration is also held by Juve and Bologna, will move temporarily from Sampdoria to Piacenza.
McDonald Motherwell-bound
Sporting Clube de Portugal winger Luís Filipe is another player on the move, having been loaned to UD Leiria until the end of the season. Meanwhile in Scotland, Motherwell FC have signed the 20-year-old Australian striker Scott McDonald in another short-term deal.
D'Jaffo contract cancelled
Fellow Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen FC have terminated Laurent D'Jaffo's contract by mutual consent. The 33-year-old forward has accepted a one-off compensation payment for the final six months of his Pittodrie deal.
