Dmac

Defender Distin leaves Man City


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Sylvain Distin has left Manchester City to seek "a fresh challenge".

The 29-year-old defender was offered a new contract at the City of Manchester Stadium but has opted to end his five-year spell with the club.

"It has been an incredibly tough decision but I just feel I want a fresh challenge," said the Frenchman, who is now expected to sign for Portsmouth.

"I had five very enjoyable years at City and I wish them all the best but I want to play somewhere different."

Distin missed just one Premiership match last season and finished third in City's player of the year poll.

It is thought City's contract offer would have made Distin the highest-paid player in the club's history.

The former Newcastle defender came close to joining Middlesbrough last summer but could not agree personal terms.

Manager Stuart Pearce, who was sacked by the club at the end of the season, decided to take a risk in letting the Frenchman see out the last year of his previous deal in the hope of persuading him to stay.

Credit - BBC Sport

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Tyler Durden

I'm kind of surprised it's Pompey he's off to. I'd have thought bigger clubs would be interested (well in size if not success!)

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A throne is just a bench wrapped in velvet

Crocker

Apparently Liverpool are intrested, I thought he might have stayed for a few more weeks to see what happens with the proposed takeover at Eastlands

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Dmac

Distin signs Portsmouth contract


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French defender Sylvain Distin has joined Portsmouth on a three-year contract after leaving Manchester City at the end of his contract.

The 29-year-old, who was City captain and missed just one Premiership game last season, joined them from Paris St Germain for £4m in 2002.

"It was a tough decision but I am happy to stick by it," he said.

"When you're on a free transfer you are going to get a lot of offers but this is the one I wanted to take."

Pompey manager Harry Redknapp had been linked with Distin a year ago when he was still under contract, so was delighted to see off reported late interest from Liverpool to get his man.

"I've been down that road a few times before and to be honest I panicked when I heard about it," he said.

"But thankfully we struck an agreement with Sylvain and I am really pleased we've got him.

"Last year when we showed an interest in him his price was £5m so to get him for free has got to be great business for the club."

He also denied Sol Campbell's place at the club may be under threat to make way for Distin.

"There is no way. Sol is still absolutely key for us. He has still a year to go on his contract and he's not going anywhere," he said.

"I will try, in fact, to sign another defender very soon because you have to have competition for places and a big squad.

"The Premiership is going to be tougher than ever next season and if you stand still you end up going backwards."

Credit - BBC Sport

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Tyler Durden

I just don't understand this at all.

Because of the transfer window not opening until 1st July all player contracts run to 30th June so, in terms of being paid your wages, Distin was going to be paid up to 30th June....he would still be under contract until then.

Therefore, since there is a takeover going on which will likely be resolved at City before the end of June, why rush!

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A throne is just a bench wrapped in velvet