France goalkeeper Mandanda signs for Crystal Palace

Paris (AFP) – Marseille’s French international goalkeeper Steve Mandanda has signed a three-year deal with Crystal Palace, both clubs announced on Friday.

France’s number two keeper arrives in England after nine years in southern France where he won the Ligue 1 title in 2010 and three League Cup titles.

Mandanda, who remains with the national team squad for Euro 2016, will move to London for an undisclosed fee after passing a medical.

“I’m delighted that we have been able to bring Steve into the club,” Palace chairman Parish told their official website.

“He brings a wealth of experience at both club and international level to us, and boasts a proven track record when it comes to winning trophies.”

Mandanda, who has 22 caps for France, moved to Marseille from Le Havre in 2008 and has played 443 matches for the club.

He was named Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year four times including last season.

“He didn’t come like a king but he left as a real legend,” Marseille’s former France international Jean-Marc Ferreri said on the club’s website referring to the quip by Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic when he left Paris Saint-Germain last month.

Palace earlier announced the signing of England international winger Andros Townsend from Newcastle for a club record £13million ($17m, 15.5m euro).

The 24-year-old has agreed a five-year contract with his transfer coming on the same day that striker Dwight Gayle moved in the opposite direction.