Cedric Roussel
The Belgian striker was a surprise loan signing from Ghent in October 1999 who originally expected to get an occasional game for City before returning home at the end of the season. After an inauspicious debut he got his first start a few weeks later against Watford. In his second full game he scored in a 2-1 win over Villa and won the fans over with his wholehearted approach. He clicked instantly with Robbie Keane and played a key part in the club’s good form in December and January and ended the season with nine goals, including two at Old Trafford.
His form prompted City to seek a long term deal with Cedric and despite interest from several other clubs he signed for a fee of £1.2 million. A knee injury ended the season somewhat prematurely and the following season with Keane gone things were not the same. Injuries hampered him including a troublesome back and he was only on the bench when Second Division Wolves paid £1.5 million for him in January 2001. Things went wrong on and off the pitch after the move and after only two goals in 28 appearances for Wolves he returned to play for his hometown club Mons in Belgium.
Sadly, Roussel died from a cardiac arrest on 24 June 2023, at the age of 45.
