Fergie hails Heinze signing

14 April 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Argentina defender Gabriel Heinze will be "a great acquisition" for Manchester United because of his versatility at the back.

The club confirmed the £6.9million signing of the former Paris St Germain player to the Stock Exchange this afternoon.

Heinze is the second new recruit of the summer as Old Trafford boss Ferguson attempts to overtake Arsenal and regain the title next season.

Striker Alan Smith joined from Leeds for £7million a month ago following their relegation to the Football League.

Ferguson has been looking to strengthen his defensive options with Rio Ferdinand receiving an eight-month ban for missing a drugs test.

Now Heinze is ready to make his mark after an impressive season in the French League.

Ferguson said: "We've been monitoring Gabriel for a long time and he demonstrates all the qualities of the top Argentinian defenders - strength, speed and excellent technical ability.

"He can play either as a central defender or left-back and this flexibility means that he is a great acquisition for the club."

Heinze has signed a five-year deal running until June 30, 2009.

He said: "I'm extremely proud to sign for such a great club.

"It's a very important step in my football career to join Manchester United and I have faith and great belief that I can meet the high expectations required.

"We have not yet discussed which position I will play.

"I don't know whether it will be in central defence or left back. All they said is that they wanted me.

"They have shown great motivation to snatch my services even though I did not talk directly with Sir Alex Ferguson."

Heinze joined PSG from Valladolid in Spain in 2001 and spent three seasons in Paris where he imposed his style.

"I have a lot of things going through my mind, " he said. "I have loads of emotion about leaving PSG. I owe them a lot.

"The club and the supporters will have an important place in my heart for what they have done for me the last three years. I will never forget them.

"But my dream is coming true by joining Manchester United. I am going to keep working hard on the other side of the channel."

United, in keeping with the new policy on transfers, have revealed the breakdown of the payments involved in the deal.

Paris St Germain are to receive £5.7million - £3.4million in July, £1.3million on December 31 and £1million in July 2005.

A £0.3million fee is potentially payable under the FIFA 5% solidarity levy, a £0.3million levy is payable to the FA Premier League and £0.6million in fees is payable to agents for the acquisition of the player and the negotiation of his contract.

The split-down of the agent fees is £100,000 payable immediately and the balance in quarterly instalments over the duration of the player's contract.

United plc chief executive David Gill said: "This is a great signing. We are always looking to strengthen our squad and the qualities that Gabriel will bring will be a tremendous asset as we prepare for the challenges of the new season ahead."

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