Italian international striker Fabrizio Ravanelli hassigned for Olympique Marseille in a move designed to help his World Cup chances, the French first division club said yesterday. The former Middlesbrough striker moved to France for a reported £5 million on a four-year contract.
"His signing is something great for Olympique Marseille, for the town and also for French football," said club coach Rolland Courbis. "The player is delighted he will be joining us."
Ravanelli's agent said on Wednesday that the striker's future would be settled within 24 hours, but injury-hit Tottenham had been regarded as his likely destination. A Marseille club spokesman said: "Ravanelli was keen to join us so Italian coach Cesar Maldini can monitor his form on the build-up to next year's World Cup."
The 28-year-old is expected to make his debut at the Stade Velodrome on October 4th against Toulouse.
Ravanelli played for Perugia, Avellino, Casertana and Reggiana before joining Juventus in 1992. He won the European Cup with Juve in 1996. The player moved to Middlesbrough two months after that Cup win where he earned a reported weekly salary of £42,000. Ravenelli scored 31 goals for the North East club in all competitions, but could not prevent Middlesbrough being relegated from the Premiership.
His relations with manager Bryan Robson have been strained since relegation and a proposed move to Everton fell through because of the player's financial demands.
Meanwhile, Kevin Keegan aims to restore Fulham's fortunes after taking over as chief operations officer. But which players could he buy to join his crusade?
During Fulham's most recent glory period in the 1970s, when they were beaten finalists in the 1975 FA Cup Final, greats such as Rodney Marsh, George Best and Bobby Moore graced Craven Cottage.
If Keegan follows that example he may buy. . .
Paul Gascoigne: The clown prince loves nothing more than a night out with his pals in London and would be a definite crowdpleaser.
Peter Beardsley: The former England international helped rejuvenate Newcastle under Keegan and the Peter Pan of the Premiership could do the same for Fulham.
Paul Merson: Could team up in the capital with former Arsenal team-mates Ian Wright and Tony Adams for their counselling and therapy classes.
Steve McManaman: Barcelona thought he was worth £12.5 million, but if Keegan waits until the summer of 1999, he can pick him up for free under the new post-Bosman transfer system.
Alan Shearer: Keegan broke the world record to sign him last year, so why not use some of Mohamed Al Fayed's millions to do it again?
Rene Higuita: Defence was never really Keegan's strong point, but what better to boost his attack than a goalkeeper who thinks he's an outfield player?
Roberto Baggio: No Italian can end his career without a spell in England and he would love life in west London.
Hugh Grant: Fulham fan who would be a divine addition to the club, providing that he cuts down on his nights out in Los Angeles.
