Antoine Sibierski

Personalia: Born: 5/8 1974 Birthplace: Lille (FRA) Nationality: France (0/0) Height: 180 cm Weight: 74 kg Position: Attacking Midfielder Playing Record:     League FAC LC Season: Club: Apps Gls Apps Gls Apps Gls 1992-1996 Lille Olympique (FRA) 97 17 0 0 0 0 1996-1998 Auxerre (FRA) 42 8 0 0 0 0 1998-2000 Nantes (FRA) 50 17 0 0 0 0 2000-2003 Lens (FRA) 89 23 0 0 0 0 2003-2004 Manchester City 33 5 5 1 1 0 2004-2005 Manchester City 35 4 1 0 2 2 2005-2006 Manchester City             Total:   346 74 6 1 3 2

Antoine Sibierski arrived in a £750,000 deal from Lens in August 2003. He jumped at the chance to join Manchester City, and revieled that linking up with players like Nicolas Anelka and Sylvain Distin as well as City's renowned passion for the game made his decision to opt for Kevin Keegan's side an easy one.

The midfielder started his professional career with his hometown club, Lille Olympique in 1992 and has played for Auxerre and Nantes before signing for Lens three years ago. He knows all about the special rarefied qualities of European football nights. He has enjoyed Champions League campaigns for both Auxerre and Lens, and has faced David Seaman in the UEFA Cup while wearing the colours of Nantes, though he were not avaialble for the UEFA Cup clashes against TNS because he was not registered in time.

Had it not been for the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Manu Petit and Robert Pires, the engaging Sibierski might also have visited the international stage on more occasions than the 1996 Olympics, and at every level up to an including the French B team. Sibierski explained the simple philosophy behind the way he plays the game - "There are two words in my head always - work and humility. I need to work for my team-mates."

The midfielder made his debut against Barcelona to mark the opening of the club's new home at the City of Manchester Stadium on August 10th.

Provided by: Svenn A. Hanssen, svenn@hanssen.priv.no