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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
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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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