http://www.sportserver.com/soccer/international/general/story/689520p-5121624c.html Kind of a weird article; it basically states that sources at Nice say how he's coming to Colorado, and then it goes on to say how Nice is really interested in Grimandi. Nothing in his online diary either. But I think this is a sign that, with the MLS preseason approaching, things are heating up.
what's the story on grimandi? Is he the player that has been on something like 9 teams in not so many years? Is he another oldster? Is he suppose to share time with pibe since pibe is not off the roster yet?
grimandi and pibe... according to grimandi's agent, grimandi has offers from some overseas teams. the rapids put an offer on the table, but he didn't except it! el pibe is gone for sure! thanks.
More update.... http://www.planetfootball.com/article.asp?id=125301&cpid=24&title=Grimandi+tipped+for+MLS+move Grimandi has been with Arsenal since around 1996 or 1997. He spent many years with Monaco.
Excellent. That's really cool that he's more impressed with the Rapids than two top tier French teams.
Re: grimandi and pibe... I heard Grimandi would be a good addition, never seen him play. What is your reason for thinking Carlos is gone for good?
This article makes the deal sound even closer and a little more sure.. Still waiting for something solid but this is surely closer.. http://www.soccer365.com/EUROPEAN_NEWS/Rest_of_Europe/page_109_43910.shtml QUOTE: “I'm joining the Rapids for a new challenge,'' Grimandi said in an interview with the Bloomberg News. “Winning the American league would complete a unique treble.”
what is the real reason that he wants to come over here? won't his team pick up his contract since he is 32? well he would fit in with all our oldsters. we probably do have the oldest team in the league!!
He has options beyond MLS and that pay more money.. Nice in France really wants him. He must have reasons we just don't know that are beyond money.
Maybe he wants to tour the West. The French have a hardon for cowboys. Ever read "Lt. Blueberry" or "Lucky Luke"? Two of the all time most popular French comics are westerns.
He wouldn't split time with Valderrama if Carlos was to stay on the team. Grimandi would be a defensive midfielder, and a pretty good one. Not flashy, but very consistent and the fact that he was starting at Arsenal quite often says plenty. You guys want to give up Mastroeni for the allocation to sign him?
The Post says... The Washington Post reports this morning that the Grimandi deal is nearly done and that Valderrama will not be resigned for next season.
Re: The Post says... See this AM Rocky Mountain News....Grimandi is all but signed by the league. Sez Hanki wants to pair him and Pablo in the middle. So is that Garlick, then three defenders (Fraser, Herdsman, Stewart) then five middies (Pablo, Gilles, Chung Henderson and Beckerman/Hart/Walsh..) and then two forwards (5'6" and 5'8"). Maybe Hankinson thinks Kingsley and a draft pick will be as servicable as anything he can afford outside of the MLS. We'll see. RLH
I'm wondering if we'll see something like... Garlick Stewart Fraser ?? Gilles Mastro Kingsley Henderson Chung Spencer Carrieri The question mark seems to be where Chung will play. If he's in the middle he might be in the hole. If Chung plays a wing position then who plays in hole? Unless there are some other moves afoot I have a hard time figuring out where Hart and Beckerman fit in. I can also imagine a 442 with Chung, Gilles, Mastro, and Henderson. The problem with the 442 is we'd have two defensive central mids with our attack coming up the wing, but how will they solve the problem of serving the ball into our spritely forwards. This move will make things interesting, but it also suggests a lot of new questions. I really wonder if Hankinson might make a move for a forward next.
Well...things during this offseason are VERY interesting indeed. I should've felt this way when we grabbed Spencer, but after living through seasons with Marquinho, Waldir, and Dely Valdes, I was in a "show me" mode. Vive la France! And DAMN if it isn't wonderful that we can actually land some of these prospects. I'll give a lil' love to Counce and Hankinson when I go to the "Meet The Team" party in a month or so. Can I please have my other wish: Marcelo in green again...
That article sure makes it sound like this is close to a done deal... hopefully that's not a result of embellishment by the author!
Soccernet has finally reported that Grimandi has signed and will report later in January. Looking forward to seeing him play in person. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=254004&cc=5739
You guys are very lucky...I'd LOVE to have Grimandi on the Metros. The best thing about him is that he's so versatile...he's equally servicable in the center of midfield, as a d-mid, a wingback, or even a straight-up center back. He's always been a very underrated player...especially in 1998, when Arsenal won the Double with far less talent than you'd think. I see him becoming a fan favorite for you guys in the span of only a few matches.
Like the Title I had to smile at the Title of the Soccernet article announcing Grimandi had signed with MLS and would join the Colorado Rapids. "Grimandi snubs Boro for Mile High Club" It has a nice ring to it that a quality international would "snub" a premiership team to join MLS.