Le Tallec signs for Sunderland
Tuesday, 2 August 2005Sunderland have today signed Liverpool forward Anthony Le Tallec on a year-long loan.
The 20-year-old played in both legs of Liverpool's Champions League qualifier against TNS but has struggled to establish himself at Anfield since moving to the club in 2002.
Le Tallec told the club's official website: "I chose to come to Sunderland because I need to play games."
Le Tallec, who has been capped by France at Under-21 level, has been loaned out to St Etienne and Le Havre since arriving at Liverpool.
"I don't know too much about Sunderland but I see it as a big club and a big challenge.
"I spoke to Mick McCarthy about the club and had a good feeling straight away. I'm a competitor and want to play games."
Le Tallec was brought to Anfield by Gerard Houllier in a double deal also involving Florent Sinama-Pongolle.
He was not given a long run in the first team but opened his goalscoring account with a strike against Olimpija Ljubljana in the UEFA Cup in 2003.
Benitez only gave him seven appearances last season, but was included in the 2-1 win against Juventus at Anfield when he set up Luis Garcia for a goal.
