Jansen gets fresh start at Feyenoord

Former Dutch youth international Michael Jansen has joined Feyenoord after being released by BV Vitesse, despite ongoing concerns over a heart problem.

Slice of luck
The 23-year-old has agreed a six-month contract with a view to spending three more years in Rotterdam, although Feyenoord plan to loan him out for the remainder of the campaign. "This is a slice of luck for us," said sporting director Peter Bosz. "Michael is an exceptionally talented player who has been sidelined by bad luck for a long time. He's now fully recovered from his heart problems. We will give him the chance to prove himself again at the highest level."

Heart problem
Jansen made his Vitesse debut as an 18-year-old and was a regular long before his 20th birthday, but his career was put on hold after he was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia in 2005. After two years of treatment, including having a defibrillator fitted to regulate his heartbeat, Jansen returned to training last summer. A difference of opinion over how to deal with his medical problem prompted his split with Vitesse.