Zenden commits to Middlesbrough
Saturday, July 31, 2004
Article summary
Boudewijn Zenden has made his move from Chelsea FC to Middlesbrough FC permanent with a one-year contract.
Article body
Loan spell
The 27-year-old Dutch international winger spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, helping the Premiership club claim their first major trophy by making the first goal and scoring the second in the 2-1 final win against Bolton Wanderers FC in February. Zenden, who joined Chelsea from FC Barcelona for €13m in 2001, was part of the Netherlands squads that reached the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2000™ and UEFA EURO 2004™.
Extension possible
His agent and father Pierre Zenden said of the free transfer deal: "It is open to be extended. He could do it after just two months if that is agreed." Zenden becomes Middlesbrough's fifth summer signing after fellow Dutchmen Michael Reiziger and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, striker Mark Viduka and midfield player Ray Parlour.
Sullivan switch
Meanwhile, 34-year-old Scottish international goalkeeper Neil Sullivan has left Chelsea for relegated Leeds United AFC on a free transfer.
