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Dacourt's previous sojourn in England was brief, but he left a
big impression. In an Everton team that seemed desperate to get
itself relegated, he battled hard and helped keep them up, but as
transfer rumours took hold, the fans got on his back a little. He
took the battling a bit far - picking up 14 yellow cards in a
season (his only red card came in a 0-0 draw at Goodison against
Leeds). In 1999-2000 season he was part of the Lens side that made
it to the UEFA Cup semi-final, where they went out to Arsenal.
His first season at Elland Road was an outstanding success, with
his performances in the centre of the park improving as the year
went on - notably when David Batty returned from injury. Olly had
yet another problematic year from a disciplinary point of view -
picking up a card on average every three games - but was unlucky to
be cautioned on several occasions, and his overall contribution and
improvement was recognised by France when he received his first cap
in the Confederations Cup tournament in summer 2001.
In 2001-02 he continued to play a major role in the midfield as
Leeds got off to an excellent start in the league and managed -
just - to keep a UEFA Cup run going. He injured his shoulder at
Blackburn in early December - and his absence was keenly felt as
points that should have been won were dropped and Leeds stumbled in
the league and the FA Cup. He returned at the start of February but
was injured again by the end of March and missed the rest of the
season. His agent spent much of that time and half the summer
putting about rumours and counter-rumours saying how happy his
client was to stay in Leeds, a city he loves, and how much his
client was looking forward to playing for
Roma...errr...Lazio...err....Juve should they ever make a formal
bid for his services. The bid never materialised and Dacourt
started the 2002-03 season on the bench against Manchester
City.
More agent-led chat followed in 2002-03 and after an article in
a French paper in which he seemed to criticise the club, the
manager and his fellow players, his relationship with Terry
Venables went from bad to impossible, and he was shipped out on
loan to AS Roma for the remainder of the season where he has - thus
far - struggled to make much of an impression.
Shahir Naga says: Olly is one of the best midfielders actually.
Deserves his place in France team alongside Zidane, Vieira and
Petit. His haircut suits him very much!!
George Hartson says: Olivier Dacourt belongs to the rare and
invaluable group of midfielders who fight till the bitter end,
without complaints or even a thought of giving up.
Debbie Colbeck says: Funniest moment seen on a football pitch
for a long time - an Oscar winning Maritimo player flat on his back
with Ollie shaking both Portugese's legs in an effort to prove he
wasn't injured. Hilarious!
Philippe Michel says: Hello! My name is Philippe, I'm French and
Dacourt is one of my favourite players. I've even seen Dacourt play
when he was at Lens. I've spoken with him : he is too cool!
Matt Podbury says: I'm a big Leeds fan and wanted to get as many
French players autographs for my father in law's (he's french!)
50th birthday. Sent off to Arsenal, Man U (gulp!!) and of course
Olly. The only one with a swift reply and a fetching autographed
photo was our man himself. Well done Msr Dacourt, Merci
Beaucoup.
"His biggest French fan" says: I like him very much, he's the
best and the most handsome football player in the world. He plays
as good as Zidane or Beckham.
Thomas Fullard says: Hello I'm Olivier Dacourt's brother. Well
according to my friends and family we were. Maybe I'm his long lost
brother?
H From Flowserve says: recently I purchased at an auction, a
signed photo, which Olivier kindly provided, for 10 pounds.
Unfortunately I got very drunk and lost it. Now I'm so unhappy,
life's not fair.
Anon says: I work at Manchester airport. I unfortunately didn't
have a clue who dacourt was and charged him for his excess baggage
when he was checking in for his flight! Someone later told me who
he was and now I feel awful!
K says: Does ne 1 no the likes n dislikes of Olivier
Dacourt?
Gemma says: Bonjour ca va? Ha ha only takin da p@@@! Olly i tnk
ur class!!!! Rock on honey luv Gem
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Vinh says: Olivier is a good football player, since a long time.
We were at school together when we were about 13 years old, during
2 years, in the same classroom. Olivier, if you read this message,
maybe you will remember several things, such as our dear Mr Leroy,
or about your girfriend "V.." ;-) I just want to congratulate you
for your succeed in football. An old friend Vinh
harry kewell says: yes i did meet him when i decorated his
house. He was an amazing guy and had a good sense of humour
stormy says: Mark is cute, but unfortuantly he is married with a
child. I hope he is happy and shows us by his performance on the
pitch. What skill he displayed at west ham.
Danica says: i am the no1 dacourt fan and ive met him once he's
lovely i sent him a birthday card and he sent me an autograph i
cried with happiness when i got it. dacourt rules
Seb Arbogast says: I spend two years of my life with him in a
boarding school specially dedicate for football. He's a really
smart guy and a an expectional player.......congratulation old
friends
Danny says: I am a passionate Roma supporters and as many of you
know by now, Dacourt's very close to buying a one way ticket for
the Italian capital. I'm not too familiar with this player and am
wondering whether he is worthy of replacing names such as Emerson,
Tommasi or Lima who presently make up the Roma midfield. Can anyone
fill me in?
caesar says: forza roma!!!
Alan says: Hi my name is Alan. despite my name (my father is
english) i was born in rome.I am a ASR ULTRAS and if we got DACOURT
is because from the begginning of the year the midfield is not
strong enough..Emerson plays in our midfield and if this french man
reveals himself as a surprise there is no doubt that he will
play... I am glad that you support Roma, we are passionate, we
always sing without making difference from winning and losing...In
march i am going to highbury to watch the match and i'll hope that
we'll have revenge!!!!!!!!! FORZA ROMA VENI VIDI VICI (I've come, i
saw i conquer)... Hope of hearing from you gladiator soon thanx fro
your attention...
RomanoDeRoma says: ROMA CAPUT MUNDI...tutte le strade portano a
Roma...chiedetelo a Dacourt!!! Dacourt is a good player,but TOTTI
is the "King"
Bee says: Goodbye,Dacourt I love you!! You're amazing football
player!!! I have no idea why they let you go. By the way, wherever
you're go, i'll still be your big fan forever..Dacourt, smile!!!
(remerber that i told you when we met in Thailand's airport, i bet,
you don't but i do)
danica says: dacourt hope ure enjoying ure time at roma but dont
4get ure elland road fanz we want u bac!
mr battys wallet says: before you go ollie can you give that
leeds player you owe 4 grand ...for losing at cards his cash back
he is getting on a bit afterall
Shahir N says: Finally he got his place in the French National
team! he deserved to be there earlier though. He's certainly the
best defensive midfielder for "les bleus".Warning 2all countries
competing in Euro.."watch out the lethal midfield "Dacourt - Pires
- Vieira - Zidane"..the likes of Gerrard, Beckham or Emre, Sas or
watever crap is surely of no match..
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