Ajax win Grygera race
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
Article summary
AFC Ajax have signed Czech Republic defender Zdenek Grygera as a replacement for Cristian Chivu.
Article body
Versatile defender
The versatile defender has moved from AC Sparta Praha in a €3.5m deal and has agreed a four-year contract. The Czech champions had rejected earlier interest in the player from Juventus FC, BV Borussia Dortmund and AS Monaco FC according to reports.
Senior honours
The 22-year-old, who has ten international caps, said: "Ajax are a fantastic club and really wanted to sign me." Ajax general manager Arie van Eijden was just as happy with the transfer, saying: "I am delighted we have succeeded in signing a player we were really keen to buy. Our technical staff are very positive about Grygera."
Second arrival
A member of the Czechs' 2002 UEFA European Under-21 Championship-winning team, Grygera is Ajax's second defensive recruit following the arrival of Julien Escudé from Stade Rennais FC. Ajax will begin their 2003/04 UEFA Champions League campaign in the third qualifying round next month.
