PSG capture Gallardo (30 Dec 2006 21:36 GMT)
Paris St Germain have captured the signature of Argentinian playmaker Marcelo Gallardo from River Plate.
The former Monaco midfielder arrived in Paris on Friday to undergo a medical in the French capital ahead of training with the team and putting pen to paper on Monday.
"I'm happy because, for me, Paris is a formidable challenge," the 30-year-old told l'Equipe. "I want to answer the expectations of all the people who believe in me."
Gallardo arrives in France having agreed to wave the last six months of his contract with River Plater and with a wealth of Ligue 1 experience. El Mu?eco - so nicknamed because of his small frame - was voted French player of the year in 1999 when he formed a league-winning partnership with Ludovic Giuly - now of Barcelona - in the centre of Monaco's midfield.
PSG have been struggling to find form so far this season and currently lie in 16th place, just two points off the relegation zone.
source : Europsport