Ok I should be working but saw that Lyon had Malbranque on the bench - what a legend. I wiki'd to see his age and came across this line on his entry: in the 2011 summer transfer window it was revealed that he was in advanced talks with French team Saint-Étienne with a view to joining them. His manager at Sunderland, Steve Bruce, stated he was surplus to requirements, and it was also revealed his transfer would free up funds for new summer signings as well as cut their wage bill. Surplus to requirements, lets get in Gardner/ Vaughan/etc instead. FFS. Always loved Steed. Why can I not stop posting?
Had the best ball control of any player ive seen in a red and white shirt for yonks. Shame he never really found his shooting boots with us
Class act, will always remember him megging Milner and the look of disbelief on Milners face, pure genius.
Could find his way out of being surrounded by 4 players though without seeming to use any effort! Some of his tricks were "messi-esque" - Unbelievable! Loved watching this bloke play football