Trabelsi resolves Ajax differences

Option dispute
The Tunisia defender has been in dispute with Ajax for over six months, having not played since 25 February when the club lost 4-1 against SC Heerenveen. It stemmed from an argument over an option in the player's three-year contract signed back in 2001 that reportedly allowed Ajax to keep him for another two years until 2006.

Arsenal switch
Trabelsi had looked set to move to English champions Arsenal FC in the summer, only to be refused a work permit because he had not played enough matches. After declaring he was sick earlier this month, Trabelsi and Ajax coach Ronald Koeman began discussions last week about his future in Amsterdam.

Agreement reached
"It was a pure conversation between coach and player," said Koeman today. "I went to his house and we talked about the future and present, and I explained to him that it would also be in his best interests to get training and playing again." Ajax had put the player on their UEFA Champions League squad list and will hope Trabelsi can return to match fitness as soon as possible.

Training regularly
Speaking at a news conference today, Trabelsi said: "I have been training by myself at the Amsterdam Olympic Stadium to stay in shape during my absence. I am about 80 per cent fit. With the Ajax medical staff I will now see what has to be done to get 100 per cent fit again."