Photo by ISIphotos.com
By TRAVIS CLARK
Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids is making a surprise return to the pitch, signing a pay-per-play contract with Championship side Crystal Palace on Friday.
The 37-year-old old has been retired since 2008, when he stopped playing for Ajax. A decorated club career has taken him to some of the biggest clubs in the world — AC Milan, Inter, Barcelona, Juventus are some of them, not forgetting Ajax where his career began and ended. Davids also earned 74 caps for the Dutch, making his international debut back in 1994.
News of the signing came on the same day that Crystal Palace confirmed that they exited administration, lifting a ban on acquiring new players.
Here are a few other stories for Friday afternoon:
MARSEILLE ADD GIGNAC, POSSIBLY LOSE REMY
Olympique Marseille look set to add another striker to their squad, but could lose the one they just signed a day before. Reports indicate that Marseille agreed to a deal for Toulouse striker Andre-Pierre Gignac, to the tune of £14.75 million. Gignac, a member of the ill-fated French World Cup campaign, was Ligue 1's top scorer back in 2009-09, netting 24 goals, but struggled through injuries last year.
Meanwhile, news from Marseille indicated that new signing Loic Remy's transfer might fall through, when tests revealed he could have a heart problem. He will be re-evaluated on Monday, and a final decision made then.
FERDINAND EYES SEPTEMBER RETURN AS VIDIC SIGNS NEW DEAL
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand remains on course for a September return to action, according to United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferdinand has been absent since injuring knee ligaments during the first day of World Cup training in South Africa this summer.
His partner in central defense, Nemanja Vidic, signed a new four-year extension that will keep him at the club until 2014. The Serb had been linked with moves to either Real Madrid or AC Milan during the transfer window.
ESSIEN TO TAKE BREAK FROM INTERNATIONALS
Ghana's Michael Essien, who wasn't a part of his home nation's successful 2010 World Cup campaign, announced he is going to take a break from international duty to focus on his club duties with Chelsea. Essien has struggled to make a return to fitness after injuring his knee during January's African Nations Cup. He started and went 90 minutes during Chelsea's 6-0 win over West Brom during the opening weekend in the English Premier League.
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What do you think of Davids returning? Surprised to see Gignac make a move? Will United be okay without Ferdinand?
Share your thoughts below.
I love Edgar Davids!
Hahaha… I would never want to get into a staring competition with Davids and those specs. He’d kill me with his Goggle Powers. My head would explode.
Hope the signings work out for Marseille…they could use a boost after their poor start.
i wanna know more about this pay for play deal, does he have miniscule wages and gets paid per minute, goal assist etc, or is it just more of US type incentive laden contract?
Yes he can…I too was a googled player afer I scratched a cornea with contacts, Davids wasn’t my favorite player but he sure made me feel LESS dorky.
One of my favorite players of all time, brought flair back to the game in the 90s and an icon to the times.
Was dying for him to join DC when he was linked a year or so ago. Too bad an MLS team didn’t take a gamble.
If he was rocking those goggles he can say whatever he wants.
He was awesome in FIFA ’99.
Davids is a P.I.M.P.
When Juve came to NY in 2003 Davids was asked to take pics with some fans including me… He said ” f*#% off” to everybody and got into the hotel elevator ASaP.
That’s why he’s one of the true greats… Hahahhe played that way too. Just love the guy
Rec Specs for the win.
Let’s see Good Ol’ Edgar come play a few games with Crystal Palace Baltimore while he regains his fitness.
Edgar Davids and his goggles are back?! Best news of the day…by far.