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Gregory VignalFrench footballer, defender.
Date of Birth: 19.07.1981
Country:  France |
Content:
- Grégory Vignal: A Versatile Defender
- Loans and Limited Opportunities
- Scottish Success and Return to England
- Subsequent Loans and Return to France
- Current Status
Grégory Vignal: A Versatile Defender
Early Career and Liverpool BreakthroughGrégory Vignal, a French footballer, began his professional career with hometown club Montpellier. His exceptional talent earned him recognition, leading to a transfer to Liverpool in 2000 for a fee of £500,000. Under manager Gérard Houllier, he initially shone with the reserves before making his debut against Rotherham United in the FA Cup. Over the course of his debut season, Vignal made six more appearances for the Reds' first team.
Loans and Limited Opportunities
Despite participating in the FIFA U-18 World Cup with France prior to the 2001-02 season, Vignal faced competition for the left-back position with the arrival of experienced Norwegian John Arne Riise. As a result, he featured only nine times in the Premier League throughout the season. His playing time remained limited during the first half of the 2002-03 campaign, prompting a loan move to Bastia. He spent the following season on loan at Rennes and Espanyol.
Scottish Success and Return to England
In 2004-05, Vignal joined Rangers on loan and achieved success, winning the Scottish Premier League and League Cup. Although Rangers expressed interest in signing him permanently, they could not agree on a contract and he subsequently moved to Portsmouth.
Subsequent Loans and Return to France
After a spell at Portsmouth, Vignal's contract was terminated by manager Harry Redknapp. As a free agent, he joined Lens. During the 2006-07 season, he spent the second half on loan at Kaiserslautern. He then returned briefly to Lens before joining Southampton on loan for the 2007-08 season.
Current Status
Grégory Vignal currently plays for Lens. His career has been characterized by loan spells, but he remains a versatile defender with experience in multiple leagues.
