04/02/2008 3:01PM
Toronto FC sign French MF Laurent Robert
Toronto FC Media Relations
Toronto FC announced the signing of French midfielder Laurent Robert. The former French international has agreed to terms with Toronto after being freed of his contractual obligations with Derby County of the English Premiership. Per team and league policy no details of the contract were released.
Robert, 32, is a proven veteran with a resume that lists a number of Europe's biggest clubs including Newcastle United, Benfica, and Paris Saint Germain.
We are thrilled to have Laurent join Toronto FC and become part of our club", said manager Mo Johnston. "He's a tremendous player with a lot of talent and we expect him to come in and make an impact with our team straight away. He's played at every level, and is a true professional in every respect."
Robert's biggest career move came when the winger signed with one of England's most storied teams, Newcastle United, where he played under current Toronto FC head coach John Carver.
"I've spent a lot of time with him, and I know a lot about his game," said Carver. "He'll be a big asset to the team, he's got pace, his ability on free kicks is top class and he's a great finisher."
Robert joined the Magpies in 2001 from Paris St. Germain for a fee of 9.5 million pounds and quickly became recognized as having one of the most powerful shots in the league and clinical in dead ball situations. He made 181 appearances (in all competitions) for the club, scoring 32 goals. At Newcastle he participated in a number of big European competitions such as the Champions League, and UEFA Cup qualification.
Robert started his career at Montpellier in 1994 (France, Ligue 1) before making a move to Paris Saint-Germain in 1999. While with PSG he went to the League Cup Finals in 2000. It was not long after he joined PSG that he made his debut for France's National team - August 18, 1999 against Northern Ireland. He was also part of the squad's 2001 FIFA's Confederation Cup victory over Japan. He appeared a total of nine times for France, scoring once in France's 4-0 win over Turkey on November 15, 2000.
Robert will be available for selection for Toronto's game on Saturday against D.C. United, pending the completion of his International Transfer Certificate.
With rumours of few more quality signings, things look good for TFC!
With rumours of few more quality signings, things look good for TFC!
I really hope so :)
So excited
The 116 Massive :)
Yohan
Hopefully we'll see some of this from Robert
Frenchie
oh damn!
17 days until home opener! OMG! *patiently waits*
Ian
well yohan. it could be a good signing but he has a reputation for upsetting teammates, walking away when things don't go his way. If you can handle him properly, then he might be a good deal. If not, it could cause a lot of problems.
Yohan
quote:
Originally posted by Ian
well yohan. it could be a good signing but he has a reputation for upsetting teammates, walking away when things don't go his way. If you can handle him properly, then he might be a good deal. If not, it could cause a lot of problems.
Robert's best football did come under Bobby Robson in Newcastle, and John Carver was a coach there.
So Carver knows all about Robert, and I think he'd know how to handle him. Plus Carver is a fierce disciplinarian. (Heck, he punched out Craig Bellamy once)
Robert has something to prove after not so successful stints since he left Newcastle, so hopefully we'll see some good football out of him.
With rumours of few more quality signings, things look good for TFC!
saved from relegation! lol
edit: and at 32 he'd better take it!
Yohan
quote:
Originally posted by dEsidEL
saved from relegation! lol
LOL. MLS teams semi regularly get their asses handed to them by USL teams :p
(though there is no relegation in MLS)
quote:
edit: and at 32 he'd better take it!
32 isn't *that* old in MLS. Blanco is what, 35 and kicking up a storm. Claudio Lopez who signed for Kansas City already put one in for KC is 34 IIRC. Schelotto who is best player on Columbus is 33 IIRC.
Kinda like English Championship/League One where you can be older but still play first team football.
According to Mo Johnston, Robert is not a Designated Player signing and what he signed for leaves still a lot of cap room left for few more signings.
Another thought. Let's hope that George Gillet and Joe Saputo in Montreal get their together and get Montreal in MLS for 2009. Imagine the rivalry!
Endgame
Great news for TFC. Some considerable firepower was needed. Dichio can only do so much with his back constantly to goal.
