Vorlage:Infobox Football biography Fabrice Muamba (born 6 April 1988) is an English association footballer who currently plays in midfield for Birmingham City.
Early life
Muamba was born in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). His father fled the country in 1994 because of his political views and arrived in England seeking asylum. In 1999 he was granted indefinite leave to remain, at which time he was joined by the rest of the family.[1] They settled in Walthamstow, London, where Muamba went to school. Despite having arrived in England aged 11 unable to speak English,[2] he went on to take A-levels,[3] and excelled in school football.
Football career
Club career
Muamba was associated with Arsenal's youth system as a schoolboy from 2002, joining their Academy as a first-year scholar in August 2004. He signed his first professional contract in October 2005, shortly before making his first team debut on 25 October 2005 in a Carling Cup tie in front of a 47,000 crowd at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland.[4]
In August 2006, Muamba joined Birmingham City on a season-long loan from Arsenal.[5] After a slow start, his energetic style of play, which has been likened to that of his hero Patrick Vieira,[4] impressed his manager enough to establish him as a regular starter in central midfield. The fans were equally impressed, voting him their Young Player of the Season.[6]
On 11 May 2007, Muamba made his move to Birmingham City permanent,[7] signing a three-year contract for a fee reported by the club of £4 million.[8]
International career
As a naturalised British citizen, Muamba is eligible to play for any of the Home Nations. He has represented England at all under-age levels, and captained the U-19 team.[2] He received his first call-up for England U-21 for the friendly against Romania U-21 played on 21 August 2007 at Ashton Gate, Bristol,[9] and made his debut as a second-half substitute.[10]
References
External links
- Fabrice Muamba in der Datenbank von soccerbase.com (englisch)
Vorlage:Birmingham City F.C. squad
- ↑ Rob Shepherd: Muamba handed Highbury haven In: The Times, 28. Februar 2005. Abgerufen am 12. Mai 2007
- ↑ a b Matt Dickinson: Muamba may be answer to England's prayers In: The Times, 21. November 2006. Abgerufen am 12. Mai 2007
- ↑ Andy Walker: University challenged In: Sunday Mercury, 22. April 2007. Abgerufen am 12. Mai 2007
- ↑ a b Lambros Lambrou: Young Guns - Fabrice Muamba. Arsenal F.C., 2. November 2005, abgerufen am 12. Mai 2007.
- ↑ Arsenal pair to join Birmingham, BBC Sport, 27. Juli 2006. Abgerufen am 12. Mai 2007
- ↑ Colin Tattum: Clemence scoops top award at Blues In: Birmingham Mail, 3. Mai 2007. Abgerufen am 12. Mai 2007
- ↑ Muamba signs deal with Birmingham, BBC Sport, 11. Mai 2007. Abgerufen am 12. Mai 2007
- ↑ Blues snap up Muamba. Birmingham City F.C., 11. Mai 2007, abgerufen am 12. Mai 2007.
- ↑ Pearce picks 21. The Football Association, 16. August 2007, abgerufen am 16. August 2007.
- ↑ England U21 1-1 Romania U21, BBC Sport, 21. August 2007. Abgerufen am 22. August 2007