1968: Born Marseilles, January 22nd.
1986-87: Plays for French club Hyeres before moving to Meaux.
1988: Joins Laval.
1990-91: Signs for Strasbourg.
1996: June - Member of the France squad which reaches the semi-finals of Euro 96.
July - Chelsea, managed by Ruud Gullit, buy him for £2.5 million.
September - brands referee Jeff Winter "a joker" for not being strict enough.
1997: Wins the FA Cup with Chelsea.
1998: March - Collects a Coca-Cola Cup winners' medal.
May - Helps his side to the European Cup Winners' Cup.
July - Part of the France team which beats Brazil to win the World Cup.
October - Claims David Beckham is "too arrogant" and accuses Karlheinz Riedle of "cheating".
1999:
January - Accuses the PFA of having "too cosy a relationship with the FA".
February - Reveals he wants his wages doubled, admitting he is the "club cretin" for not being paid more.
November - Claims English football is the most violent he has ever seen; sent off for two fouls at Everton.
December - Shown the red card for two illegal challenges on Harry Kewell before stamping on the Australian's ankle and getting involved in a bust-up with other Leeds players.
Career record - Hyeres: 14 games, one goal; Meaux: 39 games, three goals; Laval: 69 games, 10 goals; Strasbourg: 189 games, 49 goals; Chelsea: 151 games, 23 goals, six red cards.