The Chicago Fire announced today that Polish international Tomasz Frankowski has accepted an invitation to join the team for preseason training. Frankowski will take part in medical examinations with the Fire first team on Monday, Feb. 4, and Tuesday, Feb. 5, at TOYOTA PARK before departing for preseason training in Bradenton, Fla. on Wednesday, Feb. 6. Frankowski and the rest of the Fire’s preseason squad will be available to the media on Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 12:30–2:00 p.m. CT in the TOYOTA PARK Stadium Club The Bialystok, Poland native began his career with Jagiellonia Bialystok in 1991 and has since played for clubs in Poland, France, Japan, Spain, and England, most recently with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Polish striker spent the majority of his career (177 appearances) with Polish side Wisla Krakow, helping the club to five Polish Championships (1999, 2001, and 2003-05) and two Polish Cups (2002 and 2003). Frankowski took home the title of top scorer in the Polish premier league, the Orange Ekstraklasa, three times (1999, 2001, and 2005). Frankowski has also recorded 10 goals for the Polish National Team in 20 appearances. “We are pleased to have a player of Tomasz's caliber in camp with us. He is a smart player and very clinical in the box,” said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas. “He brings a wealth of international experience, having played on the club level, as well as for his national team.” Frankowski will remain in camp with the “Men in Red” for an undetermined period of time.
Frankowski has officially signed with the Chicago Fire http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/soccer_redcard/2008/02/the-rundown.html#trackback That's the closest thing to a confirmation I can get but it is a done deal. There's no confirmed amount but it's being reported that its a 1 year deal with a 4 year option which is...strange since he'd be 39 at the end of that. Anyhow he apparently turned down a 500k Euro contract with a Spanish second division club since he wanted to play in Chicago. With Blanco, Mapp (when healthy), and Rolfe as some of his supporting cast he should have the potential to have a 10-15 goal season if he stays healthy. I'm keeping some reservations but I'm getting excited for him and the club.
500k is alot for Frankowski to turn down I heard Chicago was only paying him $50,000 - 100,000 a year well it's official..Franek signed with Fire.. so I guess i will jump on the Chicago Fire "Franek" bandwagon since I don't have a MLS team in Florida
That was the supposed first offer so I believe we signed him for a good bit more. Probably in the range of 150-250k although that's still a bargain if the Spanish numbers are correct.