Gera wanted list revealed

Hungarian star chooses Cottagers over move abroad

By Juha Pal   Last updated: 21st June 2008

Zoltan Gera West Brom Championship Football Norwich

Gera: Wanted Prem stay

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Zoltan Gera's agent has revealed that seven clubs were in the running to sign the playmaker.

The Hungarian international recently completed a free transfer switch from West Brom to Fulham, resisting the opportunity of a new challenge away from England.

Scotland, Portugal, Greece, Spain and Germany were all potential destinations for the 29-year-old, but Craven Cottage held the biggest draw.

History

"There were lots of false reports, but it's true that we received many detailed offers," Filipovic Vladan told Nemzeti Sport.

"Benfica, Celtic and Olympiakos were all interested and Valencia, Mallorca and Werder Bremen made an approach to sign him too.

"But Zoltan Gera wanted to play in England. Although a couple of Premiership teams showed interest, Fulham seemed to be the ideal choice.

"It's a club with a great history and great aims for the following years and they think Zoli can help them with their future successes."

Versatile

Gera's new boss at Fulham, Roy Hodgson, also revealed that the club had been tracking the talented midfielder for time.

"We've been watching him since January," he said.

"We got to know that his contract was to expire in June and we would have a chance to sign him, so we did our best to get him.

"I'm really happy that he's chosen us. Gera is extremely technical, very good in the air and in front of goal. He can be used as a midfielder or an attacker, he's versatile and a good footballer.

"We've signed him into our starting line-up. Of course, don't forget that our squad has 20 players and they can't be on the pitch at the same time."