Rommedahl opts for Olympiacos
Thursday, July 15, 2010
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Olympiacos FC have been boosted on the day they begin their UEFA Europa League campaign with the signing of experienced Denmark winger Dennis Rommedahl and full-back José Holebas.
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Olympiacos FC have signed Denmark winger Dennis Rommedahl and full-back José Holebas ahead of a possible UEFA Europa League group stage campaign.
Rommedahl, who turns 32 next Thursday when Olympiacos play the second leg of their UEFA Europa League second qualifying round tie against KS Besa, has accepted a two-year contract after leaving AFC Ajax on a free transfer. Also arriving at Olympiacos is Holebas, a German-born defender of Greek descent, in a €500,000 move from TSV 1860 München. The 26-year-old has agreed a deal running until 2012.
Former PSV Eindhoven and Charlton Athletic FC wide man Rommedahl declared himself delighted with the fresh challenge in Greece's Super League "I have visited Olympiacos's Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium and I like it because I am used to having stands close to the pitch and experiencing the atmosphere," he said. "Olympiacos have to be champions again, that's why I am here." The Piraeus club's five-year reign as Greek champions ended last season.
The 2007 Danish footballer of the year reached the 99-cap mark at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. A former Lyngby BK trainee who won four Dutch titles with PSV, he had joined Ajax from Charlton Athletic in 2007. His fellow newcomer Holebas leaves Germany after making 74 senior appearances for TSV 1860, and follows new Olympiacos coach Ewald Lienen to the club. Olympiacos begin their European adventure today against Besa in Albania.