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'Something special' Rapids announce signing of ex-Gunner GrimandiPosted: Wednesday January 08, 2003 6:36 PMDENVER (Ticker) -- Veteran Gilles Grimandi became the first French player to join the MLS, signing with the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday. The 32-year-old midfielder-defender reportedly turned down offers from Middlesbrough of the English Premier League and several teams in France. Grimandi, who spent the last five seasons with Arsenal, also was a member of the historic "double" winning side that captured the Premier League championship and the FA Cup in 1997-98. "I think when partnered with Pablo Mastroeni in the center of the park, Gilles will bring a great deal of balance and experience to our midfield," Rapids coach Tim Hankinson said. "Gilles brings something special to the club, and that might just be the element we needed to help us win an MLS Cup. "Every player on the Rapids will gain from the addition of Grimandi and his experience, and we're very excited to have him here in Colorado." The Rapids signed Grimandi with a discovery pick after the player visited the club and trained with the team at the end of last season. "The Middlesbrough call came at the same time I was to make a decision about the Rapids," Grimandi said. "I made my decision to join Colorado and I am ready for this fantastic new challenge." He is expected to join the Rapids in late January when the team begins training for the 2003 season.
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