Olivier Dacourt

Olivier Nicolás André Dacourt (born September 25 1974 in Montreuil, France) is a professional football (soccer) player who currently plays midfielder for Inter Milan in Italy's Serie A.

Club career

Dacourt made his debut match in Ligue 1 with RC Strasbourg on March 20 1993 in an away game with AJ Auxerre, which Strasbourg lost 2–0. On May 24 1997, he scored his first Division 1 goal for Strasbourg in an away match against Paris Saint-Germain FC, however, Strasbourg lost the match 2–1.

Dacourt transferred to Everton F.C in 1998 and his debut game in the Premier League was a 0–0 draw against Aston Villa F.C. on August 15 1998. On February 17 1999, he scored his first goal in the 5–0 victory against Middlesbrough F.C.

Dacourt has also played for RC Lens, Leeds United and AS Roma. After being on the losing side in the Coppa Italia final against Internazionale Milano F.C. in 2005–06, Dacourt joined the club from AS Roma on a two year contract in accordance with the Bosman ruling. He has earned the nickname "The General" by Inter fans for his marvellous displays on the pitch.

Originally signed as a backup player for Inter, he became a key player of the league victory, in light of all the injuries to Patrick Vieira. On December 2 2007, against ACF Fiorentina, he damaged his left knee, with a torn cruciate ligament and damage to two other ligaments in it. He is expected to be out for the rest of the 2007–08 season.

International career

Dacourt played for France national football team in the 1996 Summer Olympics

His first senior appearance in the national team came against South Korea national football team in the Coupe des Confédérations in 2001, which France won 0-5. He also appeared in the 2004 European Football Championship.

Dacourt has 21 caps and has scored one goal for the "Les Bleus".