Trabzonspor make a splash with Malouda signing. Turkish outfit Trabzonspor have signed 33- year-old former Chelsea star Florent Malouda on a free transfer after the winger was released at the end of the season by Chelsea, according to caughtoffside. Malouda had earlier told Sky Sports that he wanted to sign with a club that could offer him a large amount of playing time after only making one appearance during his Chelsea “horror” season last year. The Frenchman chose the Turkish side because of the lack of midfield options currently at the club, as well as the qualification of the club for the Europa League as well. Trabzonspor signed Malouda just a few days after being linked to current Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, who could join his new teammate at the Turkish club, should Chelsea decide to let him leave. Malouda was a surprise release from the English club after the appointing of Jose Mourinho as manager, as Mourinho was the one who originally brought the French international to Stamford Bridge in 2007 on a £13.5 million deal from French side Lyon. The French midfielder, who made 149 appearances for the Blues in the six seasons there, while scoring 35 times, hopes to repeat his success at the Turkish club, and earn a starting eleven spot as his career winds down. -Alex
Posted on: Wed, 17 Jul 2013 13:18:40 +0000