CRYSTAL PALACE have completed the signing of former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini on a one-year deal.
Flamini, 32, left the Gunners this summer having made 246 appearances over two spells and winning three FA Cups.
He joined Arsenal from French club Marseille in summer of 2004, won F.A cup in 2005, played till 2008 and then went to Italy to play for A.C Milan.
Flamini, however, did indeed sign for Arsenal on 29 August 2013 and became Arsenal’s second acquisition of the summer, after Yaya Sanogo winning two F.A cups this time around.
The Frenchman, who also won the Serie A title in 2011 during five years at AC Milan, becomes Palace’s fifth permanent signing of the summer.
Surprisingly, Flamini has never commanded a transfer fee, moving from Marseille to Arsenal, Arsenal to AC Milan, and returning to the Gunners when his contract came to an end on each occasion.
The 32-year-old Frenchman had been a free agent after being released by the Gunners in the summer. As he had been without a club and thus able to move outside of the transfer window, Flamini has been included in the Eagles’ 25-man Premier League squad, and will wear the No. 4 shirt.
Talking to Crystal Palace’ website, he said:
It is a very interesting challenge for me and I am very excited to be here. I had the chance to discuss the move here with Alan Pardew and he really helped me make my decision.
The Palace manager, Alan Pardew, said:
I thought it was important to get another midfield player. His playing ability will help us but also his leadership qualities and his ability of how to win games in a passing style. I am delighted that we have secured a player of his stature.
Flamini could make his debut in Saturday’s trip to Middlesbrough, where Palace will be looking for their first win of the Premier League season having taken just one point from their opening three fixtures.
Arsenal have wished Flamini luck on his new journey through their twitter account
All the best at @CPFC, @MathieuFlamini pic.twitter.com/jwI0UFvfyC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 8, 2016
Whereas Crystal Palace have gone all out and tweeted everything there is to tweet about Mathieu Flamini. You can check everything out down below.
BREAKING: #CPFC are delighted to announce the signing of @mathieuflamini!#WelcomeMathieu 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/C0tF27DHHX
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 8, 2016
We've taken a look back at @mathieuflamini's impressive career so far – https://t.co/TV3rkqg5Q1 #WelcomeMathieu pic.twitter.com/Gqna1PukNZ
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 8, 2016
📷 @mathieuflamini is out training with his new teammates already!#WelcomeMathieu #CPFC 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/lvrpJdY47h
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 8, 2016
Mathieu Flamini's shirt number has been confirmed! #WelcomeMathieu 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/MjHWhJcxIG
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 8, 2016
.@mathieuflamini on his decision to join #CPFC and a conversation he had with Alan Pardew…#WelcomeMathieu 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/r8TbSc0V9a
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 8, 2016
