Aston Villa keeper Brad Friedel to sign new contract, Newcastle United's Hatem Ben Arfa close to return
Brad Friedel in talks with Aston Villa
Recent reports reveal that Aston Villa are currently in talks with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Brad-Friedel-c7953 over a new contract, which will keep the American goalkeeper at Villa Park for at least another season. The 39-year-old stopper will be out of contract at the end of this season
but with his excellent performances, he seems capable of continuing for another season or two.
Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier had previously hinted he would hold talks with Friedel over a possible deal before the end of the campaign. The player’s agent, Tony Gill, confirmed that talks had indeed been held between the two parties and a new deal was
most likely on its way.
Gill said while speaking to reporters, “We are in talks over a new contract. Brad is very happy at Villa. If Brad was not happy, he would not be talking over a new contract. I have spoken with (Villa) chief executive Paul Faulkner and talks are going very
well indeed.”
Friedel joined Aston Villa in 2008 from Blackburn Rovers for an estimated fee of £2.5 million and since then has made 105 appearances for the club. He is currently the oldest player at the club and holds the Premier League record for most consecutive appearances,
with 205 appearances in January.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hatem-Ben-Arfa-c15884 could have lost his leg
Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa revealed he was close to losing his leg after picking up a leg injury in October. Arfa was told he could have lost his leg if he had not undergone a second operation on the leg which had sustained a double fracture.
It was from a challenge by Manchester City midfielder http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nigel-de-Jong-c27882 which caused the injury in early October last year. The initial surgery was a success but soon became infected and had to be operated urgently, otherwise there was a chance of Arfa losing
his leg.
Arfa said while speaking to reporters, “I needed a second operation because I had an infection. It was a big infection which could have been very dangerous. I was told that I could have had my leg cut off if they didn't operate on me very quickly.”
The 24-year-old arrived at St James’ Park from Ligue 1 side Marseille on loan but was signed permanently by the Premier League side in the January transfer window. He revealed he was extremely touched with the fact that the club had signed him during his
injury.
He said, “Newcastle showed me so much respect and a lot of love that I want to give back to them.” The injury which threatened to end his career has made him stronger; the France international has already begun light training and can be expected back soon.
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