Micoud lured back to Bordeaux

French playmaker Johan Micoud has returned to UEFA Champions League contenders FC Girondins de Bordeaux from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen.

Bordeaux vintage
The 32-year-old player has signed a two-year contract with the side who finished second to French champions Olympique Lyonnais in 2005/06, having previously played 127 Ligue 1 games for Bordeaux between 1996 and 2000. During that period he helped the club win successive French League Cups in 1997 and 1998.

'Happy to be back'
The one-time AS Cannes player moved on to Parma FC before spending four seasons at Bremen, where he was part of the tema that won a famous Bundesliga and German Cup double in 2003/04. "I'm very happy to link up with everybody at Bordeaux," said Micoud. "I'm also happy to be back in France in a side with high ambitions for next season."

European pedigree
"He's a very good asset for us," said Bordeaux coach Ricardo, who will be depending on the experience of Micoud - who won 17 caps for France - in the UEFA Champions League as his side start their campaign in the group stage this season. Bordeaux had not previously had a recognised playmaker in their squad.