Crystal Palace sign Steve Mandanda from Marseille

steve Mandanda
Mandanda is one of the best keepers in Ligue 1

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of goalkeeper Steve Mandanda on a three-year deal from Marseille. The English Premier League club have officially announced that the Frenchman has signed a contract with them. Mandanda had been linked with Everton and Chelsea but joined the Eagles in a deal that runs until 2019.

Mandanda will bring great pedigree to Palace, having played 443 times in 9 years at the Stade Velodrome and also has 22 international caps to his name. He is currently part of the France squad at Euro 2016.

He was an integral part of the Marseille team that won the Ligue 1 title in the 2009/10 season and has been named Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year on four occasions, including the recently concluded season. Mandanda has represented France at three international tournaments; UEFA Euro 2008, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euro 2012.

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Steve’s career started at Le Havre where he made his professional debut in 2005. At the start of his first season with Marseille, Mandanda was regarded as an understudy to first choice keeper Cedric Carrasso. However, a knee injury ruled Carrasso out for six months, clearing the way clear for Mandanda to become a regular fixture in the team and he hasn’t looked back since.

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Following the confirmation of his signing, chairman Steve Parish was quoted by The Express: “I’m delighted that we have been able to bring Steve into the Club. He brings a wealth of experience at both club and international level to us, and boasts a proven track record when it comes to winning trophies.

“I’m sure the Palace fans will enjoy watching him in action for us over the next few years.”

Crystal Palace fans will certainly be excited as Mandanda’s transfer follows Andros Townsend’s arrival in a transfer window that their club has started on the attack. The fact that Alan Pardew recently declared that he had signed a new contract and is focused on his future at the club is also an encouraging sign for their upcoming season, as the club have shown an enthusiastic ambition in what is sure to be an ultra-competitive Premier League season.

Mandanda will surely be a solid presence in between the sticks for the London club.

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Edited by Staff Editor