Max Gradel

Gradel as a Leicester City player.
Personal information
Full name	Max-Alain Gradel[1]
Date of birth	(1987-11-30) 30 November 1987 (age 24)
Place of birth	Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)[2]
Playing position	Winger / Forward
Club information
Current club	Saint-Étienne
Number	9
Youth career
2000–2005	Championnet Sport
2005–2006	Leicester City
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2006–2010	Leicester City	27	(1)
2007–2008	→ Bournemouth (loan)	34	(9)
2009	→ Leeds United (loan)	14	(3)
2010–2011	Leeds United	63	(22)
2011–	Saint-Étienne	24	(6)
National team‡
2011–	Côte d'Ivoire	12	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 18:21, 23 April 2012 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 12:12, 17 May 2012 (UTC)

Max-Alain Gradel (born 30 November 1987) is an Ivorian footballer who plays for Saint-Étienne in the French Ligue 1 after joining from Leeds United.

Max received his first call up to the Côte d'Ivoire national team in November 2010.^[3] He made his debut for the national side on 5 June 2011.^[4] On 30 April 2011, Gradel won both the Fans Player Of The Year Award and The Players Player Of the Year Awards at Leeds.^[5]

Club career[link]

Lewisham College Football Academy was Max Gradel's first stop after coming from Paris,France in 2004,under the tutelage of (then) Head Coach Aaron Jacob, who was one of his early mentors. He attended the Bon Giourno Cup in Holland and the team went on to win the trophy conceding no goals, with Max scoring 12 of 17. He was due to attend the Dallas Cup with the team but was offered a Pro contract and made the decision not to go. "Everything started at Lewisham College," says Max. "We were all good players in the Football Academy; I think I made it a bit by chance."

Max began playing football when he was two years old in the Ivory Coast, before coming to London via Paris. After leaving Lewisham College, Max was offered trials with Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham and Leicester and spent four months with Arsenal before signing with Leicester. From there he moved to Leeds United where he played regularly for the Championship side.

A player at Leicester City F.C. Gradel The winger was given a squad number for the 2007–08 season. On 5 May 2007, he signed his first professional contract with Leicester along with seven other players, including Eric Odhiambo, Andy King and Carl Pentney.^[6]

Loan at Bournemouth[link]

On 6 August, manager Martin Allen made Gradel and Conrad Logan available for loan for the forthcoming season.^[7] On 9 August 2007 Gradel joined Bournemouth on an initial one-month loan,^[8] which was extended for the season on transfer deadline day (31 August).^[9] However, he was unable to play as many games with the Cherries as he had hoped due to the death of his mother in early October. As a result, he was told by Bournemouth manager Kevin Bond that he could take all the time he needed to return to England.^[10]

He returned to Leicester early on 3 January 2008, although Bond stated he wanted to take him back to Bournemouth on loan again,^[11] a move which was completed for the rest of the season on 11 January.^[12] Gradel's form at Bournemouth earned him a new three-year deal at Leicester, which he signed on 6 February.^[13]

Return to Leicester and promotion[link]

He made his league debut for Leicester against Milton Keynes Dons (MK Dons) on 9 August 2008, setting up a goal as Leicester won 2–0 at the Walkers Stadium.^[14] On 14 August, Gradel signed a new contract that would last until June 2012.^[15] He scored his first senior goal in a 2–1 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace on 14 January 2009,^[16] and his first league goal in a 2–2 draw against MK Dons on 28 February, scoring an equalising free-kick at injury time.^[17] His free kick away at MK Dons won the Goal of the Season award at the Leicester City Supporters Club Awards on 23 April.^[18] Gradel made 32 appearances in all competitions as Leicester secured their promotion as league champions.^[19] In the following season however, Gradel made just one substitute appearance in the League Cup.^[20]

Leeds United[link]

This biographical article's section called "Leeds United" needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (October 2010)

2009–10 season[link]

On 19 October 2009, Gradel joined Leeds United on loan for a month.^[21] He made his debut as a substitute in a 2–1 win over Norwich City that same evening.^[22] Gradel scored his first goal for Leeds on 31 October against Yeovil Town within minutes after coming on as a substitute, which prompted chants from the crowd of "Grayson sign him up".^[23]

Leeds manager Simon Grayson said he wanted to extend Gradel's loan move beyond the initial month.^[24] Gradel himself stated he would like to extend the loan deal at Leeds and even hinted he would be happy to move to Leeds on a permanent deal.^{[citation needed]} Leicester refused Leeds permission to play Gradel in their FA Cup game against Oldham Athletic.^[25] Gradel started his first game for Leeds in the 3–1 win against Grimsby Town, contributing to Leeds' first goal as his cross was diverted by Oliver Lancashire into his own net.^[26] The game would have been the last of Gradel's initial one month loan. The loan was extended to 2 January 2010 on 13 November.^[27]

Gradel scored the winning goal for Leeds in the 89th minute against Leyton Orient after coming off the bench for Leeds.^[28] He made his first start in the league for Leeds against Oldham.^{[citation needed]} He provided two assists in the same game for Neil Kilkenny's and Luciano Becchio's goals.^{[citation needed]} Gradel scored three minutes after coming on for Leeds as a substitute in the West Yorkshire derby against Huddersfield Town.^{[citation needed]} He made his second league start for Leeds in the game against Brentford, due to the suspension of Robert Snodgrass.^{[citation needed]}

Gradel replaced Jermaine Beckford as a substitute against Southampton, and he made an immediate impact in the same game, minutes after coming on Snodgrass curled a shot into the top right corner to seal Leeds' win.^[29] Gradel handed in a transfer request on his return to Leicester,^[30] and he was signed by Leeds United on a two-and-a-half-year contact on 25 January for an undisclosed fee.^[20] His first appearance as an under contract Leeds player came as a second half substitute in the 3–0 defeat to Swindon Town.^{[citation needed]}

After being unavailable for Leeds' FA Cup loss against Tottenham Hotspur, Gradel came back into the Leeds squad and the starting lineup against Hartlepool United in Leeds' 2–2 draw.^{[citation needed]} He retained his place in the starting 11 for the next game against Carlisle United in the Trophy second leg game, which Leeds won 3–2 but were knocked out 6–5 on a penalty shootout, with Gradel converting his penalty for Leeds.^[31] After Jermaine Beckford returned from injury Gradel dropped back to Leeds' bench.^{[citation needed]}

Gradel received the man of the match award against Yeovil Town in Leeds' 2–1 win.^{[citation needed]} In the following game Gradel kept his place up front and scored for Leeds against Southend United in a 2–0 win.^{[citation needed]} Then, he followed it up in the next match scoring in a 3–1 away win against Carlisle United, with Gradel opening up the scoring and Luciano Becchio scoring a brace.^{[citation needed]} Gradel's sixth goal for Leeds came in Leeds' 4–1 win against MK Dons.^[32] Gradel was sent off for violent conduct in Leeds United's final match of the 2009–10 season against Bristol Rovers when after a moment of madness he got himself sent off then refused to leave the pitch in the first half of the match, but Leeds won the game 2–1 and were promoted to The Championship.^[33]

2010–11 season[link]

Gradel played his first game back at Elland Road since his red card against Bristol Rovers, with him putting in an impressive performance when Leeds completed their pre-season campaign on 31 July with a 3–1 win over Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road.^[34] Gradel scored a goal in the game by scoring a long range effort.^[34] Due to Gradel's red card the previous season and his refusal to leave the pitch he missed the first four games of the season through suspension.^[35]

Gradel returned from his four match suspension in the second round of the League Cup when he made his first start of the season against his former club Leicester.^{[citation needed]} He managed to gain an assist in the game, providing a cross for Davide Somma's goal.^{[citation needed]} His first league appearance came in the following game, when he came on as a second half substitute in the 1–0 win away to Watford.^{[citation needed]} Gradel made his first league start of the season, when Lloyd Sam was dropped for the game against Swansea City on 11 September.^[36] Gradel scored his first goal of the Championship season against Scunthorpe United.^[37] Gradel scored his second goal of the season against Coventry City after scoring a penalty.^[38] Gradel's third goal of the season came against Norwich City.^[39] Gradel scored his fourth goal of the season against Burnley which started Leeds's comeback to win 3–2 after being 2–0 down.^[40] On 18 December, Gradel scored his fifth and sixth goals of the season when he scored both goals in Leeds' 2–0 win over league leaders Queens Park Rangers.^[41] Gradel scored his 7th goal of the season against his former club Leicester City with a header^[42]

Gradel's form for Leeds has seen him attract interest from Premiership clubs^[43] Gradel scored his 8th goal of the season against Portsmouth.^[44] Newcastle United showed an interest in Gradel and manager Simon Grayson confirmed that he wasn't looking to sell the in-form Gradel.^[45][46] After an impressive December, Gradel was named as one of the nominee's for The Championship player of the month.^[47] 8 January, Gradel won a penalty against Arsenal which was dispatched by Robert Snodgrass as Leeds earned an impressive 1–1 draw.^[48] 15 January, Gradel scored his 9th goal of the season against Scunthorpe United^[49] Gradel scored his 10th goal of the season against Bristol City.^[50] On 22 February, he scored his 11th and 12th goals of the season in the home fixture against Barnsley.^[51] Gradel's 13th and 14th goals of the season came in the same game in the 5–2 win against Doncaster Rovers.^[52] Gradel's impressive form for Leeds during the 2010–11 season earned special praise by manager Simon Grayson.^[53] On 2 April, Gradel scored his 15th and 16th goals of the season against Nottingham Forest.^[54] Gradel scored his 17th goal of the season against Derby County in Leeds' 2–1 loss.^[55] On 30 April, Gradel won Leeds' 2010–11 Player Of The Year Award and also the Players Player Of The Year Award at Leeds annual Player award ceremony.^[5] After winning the award Gradel announced that he wanted to stay at Leeds to help them reach The Premiership.^[56] Gradel also revealed he would like to extend his contract at Leeds.^[57] Gradel scored his 18th goal of the season in the final match in Leeds' 2–1 win against Queens Park Rangers.^[58] In the summer of 2011 Gradel was believed to have been interesting German club Hamburger SV.^[59]

2011–12 season[link]

With several clubs interested in Gradel and much speculation on his future, he confirmed on 24 July that he was looking to stay with Leeds.^[60] On 2 August, Gradel confirmed he wanted to stay at Leeds, but the club had yet to offer him a new contract.^[61][62] It was revealed on 4 August, Gradel would miss the League Cup match against Bradford City as he had been called up to the Ivory Coast squad.^[63] Gradel scored a late penalty in the first game of the 2011–12 season against Southampton, however it proved to be only a consolidation goal as Leeds lost 3–1.^[64][65] Gradel was sent off early on for two bookable offences in a defeat against Middlesbrough, teammate Jonny Howson was also sent off for Leeds in the same match.^[66] Gradel came back into the starting lineup after serving his one match suspension against West Ham on 21 August, Gradel missed a penalty for Leeds in the same game.^[67] Gradel's final game for Leeds came in the 2–1 loss against Ipswich Town.^[68]

Saint-Étienne[link]

On 30 August 2011 Gradel joined French Club Saint-Étienne for an undisclosed fee.^[69] He has signed a four-year contract with the club.^[70][71] He was handed the number 9 shirt upon his arrival at the club. In March 2012, he was linked with a return to his former club Leeds United.

International career[link]

Gradel revealed that by moving to Leeds he was hoping to increase his international prospects to play for the Côte d'Ivoire national team and maybe earn a place in their 2010 FIFA World Cup squad.^[72] He was called up to the Côte d'Ivoire squad for the first time on 11 November 2010 for the fixture against Poland.^[3] On 21 March 2011, Gradel received his second call up to the squad, this time to face Benin in an African Cup Of Nations qualifier.^[73] In June 2011, Gradel was called up to the squad to face Benin on 5 June 2011.^[74] This match ended in a 6–2 win to Côte d'Ivoire, in which Gradel came on in the 54th min to make his debut.^[4]

On 4 August, it was revealed Gradel had been called up to the Côte d'Ivoire squad to face Israel and would miss Leeds' cup tie against Bradford City as a result.^[63] Gradel made his first start for Côte d'Ivoire in the 4–3 win against Israel on 10 August 2011.^[75]

Career statistics[link]

As of 22 February 2011.

Season	Club	Loan	Division	League		FA Cup		League Cup		FL Trophy		Play-offs		Total		Discipline
				Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
2006–07[76]	Leicester City		Championship	0	0	0	0	0	0	–	–	–	–	0	0	0	0
2007–08[77]			Championship	0	0	0	0	0	0	–	–	–	–	0	0	0	0
2008–09[19]			League One	27	1	2	1	2	0	1	0	–	–	32	2	7	0
2009–10[78]			Championship	0	0	0	0	1	0	–	–	0	0	1	0	0	0
Leicester City total				27	1	2	1	3	0	1	0	0	0	33	2	7	0
2007–08[79]	Bournemouth	Loan	League One	15	4	2	1	1	0	1	0	–	–	19	5	4	0
				19	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	–	–	19	5	3	0
2009–10[80]	Leeds United	Loan	League One	14	3	0	0	0	0	2	0	–	–	16	3	1	0
			League One	18	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	–	–	19	3	3	1
2010–11[81]			Championship	41	18	2	0	1	0	–	–	–	–	44	18	2	0
Leeds United total				73	34	2	0	1	0	3	0	0	0	74	23	6	1
Career total				134	36	4	2	5	0	5	0	0	0	145	38	20	1

Honours[link]

Leicester City

• League One champions: 2008–09

Leeds United

• League One runners-up: 2009–10

Individual[link]

• Leeds United Player of the Year Awards – 2010–11: Fans Player of The Year Award^[5]

• Leeds United Player of the Year Awards – 2010–11: Players Player of the Year Award^[5][74]

Footnotes[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Max Gradel profile at the Leeds United website
• Max Gradel career stats at Soccerbase

v t e Côte d'Ivoire squad – 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Runners-up 1 Barry 2 Angoua 3 Boka 4 K. Touré 5 Zokora 6 Gosso 7 Doumbia 8 Kalou 9 Tioté 10 Gervinho 11 Drogba 12 Bony 13 Ya Konan 14 Coulibaly 15 Gradel 16 Yeboah 17 Tiéné 18 Keïta 19 Y. Touré 20 Lolo 21 Eboué 22 Bamba 23 Gnanhouan Coach: Zahoui

Aruna Dindane

Personal information
Full name	Aruna Dindane
Date of birth	(1980-11-26) 26 November 1980 (age 31)
Place of birth	Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Playing position	Striker
Club information
Current club	Al-Sailiya
Youth career
1994–1999	Mimosas Abidjan
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1999–2000	Mimosas Abidjan	34	(10)
2000–2005	Anderlecht	124	(42)
2005–2010	Lens	102	(27)
2009–2010	→ Portsmouth (loan)	19	(8)
2010–2012	Lekhwiya	23	(5)
2012	Al-Gharafa	6	(1)
2012–	Al-Sailiya
National team‡
2000–	Cote d'Ivoire	67	(11)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 00:00, May 27, 2012 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 15 January 2010

Aruna Dindane (born 26 November 1980) is an Ivorian footballer who plays for Al-Sailiya Sport Club in the Qatar Stars League.^[1]

Club career[link]

Born in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, Dindane transferred from Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas to RSC Anderlecht in summer 2000 and helped the team to win the Belgian First Division Championship in 2001 and 2004, as well a Supercup in 2000 and 2001. In 2003, Dindane won both the Ebony Shoe as best player of African origin in the Belgian League and the Golden Shoe as the best player in the Belgian League. In November 2004, he was given a Swan D'Or Award for a spell of back-to-back hat-tricks.

In June 2005, Dindane signed for French Ligue 1 club Lens. In August 2009, he joined Premier League team Portsmouth on a one-year loan deal, with the option to sign him at the end of his loan spell. He scored his first goal for Portsmouth in a 3–1 League Cup win over Carlisle on 22 September 2009.^[2] and his first Premier League goal as part of a hat-trick in the 4–0 win over Wigan Athletic on 31 October.^[3] On 5 December 2009, he scored against Burnley with a header after missing a penalty earlier in the game. On 9 February 2010, Dindane scored a 95th minute equaliser in the 1–1 draw with Sunderland at Fratton Park.

On 21 March 2010, it was revealed he was left out of Portsmouth's match squad the previous day as if he played one more game the club would have to pay a £4 million fee to his parent club Lens.^[4] With Portsmouth in administration, they could not afford to pay this fee, and so he was dropped. However, he subsequently played in the FA Cup Semi Final against Tottenham Hotspur on 11 April 2010,^[5] and Portsmouth were aiming to negotiate terms with Lens that allow him to play in the FA Cup Final and the remaining Premier League games without incurring the £4 million fee.

On 4 April 2010 it was revealed that Blackburn Rovers were preparing to bid for the £2.5 million striker in time for the 2010–11 season and the player underwent and passed a medical at the club only for the transfer talk to cool due to financial disagreements between Blackburn Rovers and Aruna's club RC Lens. On 30 April 2010, Dindane reiterated his desire to stay in English football after the loan to Portsmouth had ended.^[6] However on 24 May 2010, Dindane agreed a three-year deal with Lekhwiya of Qatar. In January 2012 Dindane agreed to join Qatari club Al-Gharafa. After a short spell at Al-Gharafa, he signed a one-year deal with Al-Sailiya Sport Club on 27 May 2012.

International career[link]

Dindane made his debut for Côte d'Ivoire on 9 April 2000 against Rwanda. He participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he scored twice in a memorable comeback to win 3–2 in their last group match against Serbia and Montenegro.^[7] However, the team failed to reach the second round due to previous defeats against Argentina and the Netherlands.^[8][9]

Dindane represented his country at the 2006 African Cup of Nations, but left the tournament on 22 January 2006 following the death of one of his twin daughters.^[10] He was also selected in the Ivorian squad for the 2008 African Cup of Nations in Ghana. He currently has 54 international caps for his country.^[11]

After Dindane's successful season in England for Portsmouth, where he scored 10 goals in 24 appearances,^[12] he was called up to the Ivorian squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Dindane was a starter in their first two group games, against Portugal and Brazil.

Honours[link]

ASEC Mimosas

• Côte d'Ivoire Premier Division: 2000

R.S.C. Anderlecht

• Belgian First Division: 2000–01, 2003–04
• Belgian Supercup: 2000, 2001

RC Lens

• UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2007
• Ligue 2: 2009

Individual[link]

• Topscorer of Côte d'Ivoire Premier Division: 1999
• Belgian Ebony Shoe: 2003
• Belgian Golden Shoe: 2003

References[link]

External links[link]

• Aruna Dindane career stats at Soccerbase
• Profile, stats and pictures of Aruna Dindane