• Premier League

Fulham grab Grygera

ESPN staff
August 31, 2011
Zdenek Grygera spent four years at Juventus © PA Photos
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Fulham have completed the signing of Czech Republic defender Zdenek Grygera on a one-year deal following his release by Juventus.

Grygera, 31, had his contract with the Bianconeri terminated on Tuesday, ending a four-year association with the club.

But after struggling to get a game for Juve last year, he will be hoping for a more prominent role at Craven Cottage after signing a one-year deal with the option of a further year.

Grygera faced Fulham in March 2010 when he came off the bench during the Cottagers' 4-1 Europa League win against Juventus at Craven Cottage, which he is excited to now call home.

"I am delighted to have completed my transfer to Fulham today,'' he told the club's official website. "It has always been an ambition for me to play in the Premier League and I am looking forward to an exciting new chapter in my career with Fulham.''

Grygera began his career with Czech side FK Svit Zlin in 1997, before moving to Petra Drnovice and Sparta Prague. The defender, who has made 52 appearances for his country, joined Ajax in 2003 and then Serie A outfit Juventus in 2007.

Meanwhile, Fulham completed a £10.6 million move for FC Twente forward Bryan Ruiz.

Ruiz, 25, had been linked to Tottenham this summer after expressing a desire to play in the Premier League - but Fulham have now won the battle for his signature.

"I want to share with those who have supported me that I have just signed for Fulham and I'm very satisfied, it's a triumph," Ruiz tweeted.

Ruiz, who can operate on the wing or as a central forward, won the Eredivisie with Twente under Steve McClaren's leadership. The Cottagers have picked up a solitary point from their first three league matches this season, netting just one goal and looking short of invention in the final third.

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