Feyenoord sign 'missing link'
Thursday, July 17, 2003
Article summary
Feyenoord coach Bert van Marwijk has finally ended his search for a left-back by signing Jean Carlos Dondé.
Article body
Official agreement
Jean, as he is popularly known, is a 19-year-old Brazilian Under-20 international who joins from Club Atlético Paranaense in his homeland. An official agreement between the clubs was reached on Thursday morning, although no financial details concerning the transfer have been announced.
Van Marwijk search
UEFA Cup participants Feyenoord, who finished third in the league and were beaten Dutch Cup finalists last season, have been searching for a left-back and coach Bert van Marwijk hopes that Jean, who has already played on trial for Feyenoord in the pre-season Swiss Alps tournament, proves up to the task.
'Terrific football player'
"A left-sided defender has been the missing link for three years," Van Marwijk said. "It is so hard to find a player for that position - almost every club is looking for one. He [Jean] is a terrific footballer. I would have preferred to have him on trial for longer, but that was not possible. We had to decide now. But I really back the decision to give him a contract."
