European: Asia - Africa soccer news thread

Thought this may be well worth a shot, any news on african, Asian soccer (for us in the UK 'football')

That it could perhaps lead to more members from such areas or interest in those areas due to the thread. and TRD will also be able to reccoment some new players no1 has ever heard of before to the West Ham Board

FC Seoul have snapped up young South Korean star Park Chu-Young.

The 19-year-old has recently been crowned AFC Young Player of the Year after a starring role in the AFC Youth Championship, claiming six goals.

He will link up with the K-League side from Korea University, and is expected to make his professional bow next week after signing on a rookie salary.

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Martin Drent's proposed move to Chinese side Shenyang Ginde has collapsed.

The ageing forward has been informed that he can head out of Groningen on a free transfer and officials from Ginde travelled to the Netherlands to discuss a deal.

It was believed that a deal was close to completion, but Drent had a change of heart at the 11th-hour.

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Japan international Koji Nakata is determined to repay the faith of Marseille coach Philippe Troussier.

Nakata was officially unveiled as a l'OM player on Tuesday after being brought to Stade Velodrome by Troussier, who worked with the defender during his time as Japan coach.

Troussier is a huge admirer of Nakata's ability and the player admits he is indebted to the French tactician for helping him throughout his career.

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Valerenga are talking to former Tottenham midfielder Mbulelo Mabizela about a move to Norway.

The South African skipper has been without a club since leaving Spurs back in October, but is now close to agreeing a new deal.

Valerenga director Kjetil Siem says that they would love to sign a player of his calibre - but there are some question marks over his attitude.

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Promise Isaac is undergoing a trial with Monaco after Blackburn Rovers passed up the opportunity to take a look at the Nigerian youngster.

Isaac is hot property after shining in the African Under-20 Youth Championships recently, captaining his country to success and scoring both goals in the final.

Although a recent trial with Sporting in Lisbon was a success, restrictions on the number of foreign players in place in Portugal meant that Middlesbrough's Uefa Cup opponents did not offer the African a contract.

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Atalanta's in form Nigerian striker Stephen Makinwa is dreaming of playing for Serie A's elite, but is happy to continue his education in Bergamo.

The 21-year-old has netted four goals in his last four contests including scoring against title chasing Milan, although the side still slipped to a late 2-1 defeat.

Makinwa has spoken with Obafemi Martins and would be interested in a move to Italian giants Internazionale, following speculation Alvaro Recoba and Julio Cruz may depart.

skysports.planetfootball.com...

[Edited on 3/13/05 by rynaldo82]

Stuart Baxter is hoping to tempt Livingston midfielder Burton O'Brien in to playing for South Africa.

O'Brien was born in South Africa but has played Under-21 football for Scotland and is tipped for senior recognition with Walter Smith's side.

But Bafana Bafana coach Baxter is keen for the 23-year-old to represent his country of birth, despite a possible wrangle with Fifa.

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Cameroon striker Patrick Mboma has quit professional football after failing to shake off a series of injuries.

Mboma has announced his retirement at the age of 34 after spending the past season in Japan playing for Vissel Kobe.

The Cameroon international, who scored 33 goals for his country, feels the time is right to call it a day.

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The 3 guys who can win it, i dont know a single one of them and i think its kinda rubbish how the overseas players who cant make the event are not going to be considered. In Europe, plenty events are won with people who cant make it. So i think thats kinda harsh, maybe it makes better publicity if the people attend

The race for Asian Player of the Year has been narrowed down to just three players.

From the original list of ten, the Asian Football Confederation have revealed that the award will go to one of Sami Al Jaber, Hamad Al Montashari and Maksim Shatskikh.

Most of the ten had been European-based and would not have been able to attend the awards gala in November - and because of this they have been ruled out of the reckoning.

home.skysports.com...

[Edited on 1/7/06 by rynaldo82]