Arsenal Bonds: London football club Arsenal has set the terms of a £260 million bond, the first publicly marketed bond issue in Europe to be repaid with football revenues. The two-tranche deal backed by Arsenal ticket sales would re-finance the bank debt associated with the construction of the club's new Emirates stadium in north London. Arsenal will move to their new stadium this autumn after 93 years at nearby Highbury.
Ricksen: Rangers defender Fernando Ricksen has checked into an addiction clinic in London after being sent home from a pre-season trip to South Africa. The 29-year-old Dutchman was involved in an incident on a flight on Sunday. The Sporting Chance clinic in London was set by former England defender Tony Adams to treat addictions. Scottish media reported Ricksen had hurled water at a flight attendant.
Poborsky: Czech midfielder Karel Poborsky announced his international retirement yesterday but said he would play one more year with first division team Ceske Budejovice, the club he co-owns. "The national team is a closed chapter to me," the 34-year-old said. "Now I am only a fan." The World Cup in Germany marked the final appearance on the international stage for the most capped Czech player, with 118 senior appearances.
Cisse: French striker Djibril Cisse has joined Marseille from Liverpool on a season's loan. The 24-year-old is to be officially introduced to the local media today. Cisse missed the World Cup finals in Germany after he broke his leg during France's last warm-up match against China on June 7. Cisse is not expected to be back in action before October.
Hasselbaink: Charlton Athletic have signed Dutch striker Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink on a free transfer from Premier League rivals Middlesbrough. Hasselbaink, 34, helped Middlesbrough to the UEFA Cup final last season. He has scored 125 goals in 263 league appearances for Leeds, Chelsea and Middlesbrough and scored in Boro's 4-2 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Charlton last season.
Kirkland: Wigan have signed goalkeeper Chris Kirkland on a six-month loan from Liverpool that could become a permanent move from January. Signed from Coventry by former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier for six million pounds in August 2001, Kirkland has been tipped as a potential England goalkeeper but his career has been blighted by a succession of injuries. The 25-year-old spent much of last season on loan to West Brom, now relegated to the second division, and broke his finger in March.
Xavier: Former Portugal defender Abel Xavier has had his doping suspension cut to 12 months from 18 by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Xavier's ban was imposed by UEFA in November when the Middlesbrough player tested positive for anabolic steroids.