Portsmouth Football Club News

• Nickname:Pompey
• Founded:1898
• Manager:Michael Appleton

• Ground:Fratton Park
• Capacity:19,179

Pompey seal Distin signing

23 May 2007 - 13:01:31

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Portsmouth have completed the signing of centre-half Sylvain Distin on a three-year contract, following his exit from Manchester City.

The 29-year-old former Newcastle United stopper spent five seasons with the Citizens, but turned down the offer of a new contract to seek a new challenge.

He told his former club's official website: "It has been an incredibly tough decision but, in the end, I just feel I want a fresh challenge.

"I have had five very enjoyable years at City and I wish the club all the best for the future, but I want to play somewhere different. It is time for a change and it is time for me to move on."

Distin is the first of several new signings likely to be arriving at Fratton Park this summer, with manager Harry Redknapp having a number of deals already in the pipelines.

Ghana international midfielder Sulley Muntari is expected to join from Udinese in the near future, while defender Titus Bramble is also set to link up with Pompey after being allowed to leave Newcastle United.