Ousmane Dabo Signs With New England

It's been rumored, speculated, reported and now it's official (well almost... the Revs haven't announced it yet.. and well I didn't want to be the last kid on the block to write about it since everyone else already has...), French midfielder Ousmane Dabo has signed an MLS contract and will be joining the New England Revolution upon completion of international paperwork.  Dabo, 34, most recently played at at Italian side, Lazio, from 2008 to June of 2010 when his contract ran out, although he last played for Lazio in January of 2010. Dabo's career includes time at Manchester City, Atalanta, Vicenza, AS Monaco, Parma, Inter Milan, and Stade Rennais.

Dabo's name may be familiar from his time with Manchester City.  In 2007 Man City teammate Joey Barton assaulted Dabo during a team practice, the resulting injuries kept Dabo out for the rest of the season and were serious enough that doctors were worried if he would lose one of his eyes.  Dabo was able to make a full recovery, Barton was suspended, transferred and plead guilty to assault charges.


Many expected this move after rumors surfaced of it when fellow Frenchman Didier Domi joined the Revs a few weeks ago.  Similarly with the Domi signing we are cautiously optimistic about this signing.  Dabo fills a much needed role and can be a great improvement to the squad, although he is not the attacking player many have said the the Revs need (ourselves included).  At 34 it is appropriate worry about injuries as we would with most players over 30, how well he will hold up in the summer heat as well as playing on FieldTurf.  With this signing the Revs seem to be matching their new internationals with fellow countrymen, such as the Perovic and Stolica signings of 2010.  Hopefully these matches will help make our new Frenchmen more comfortable here in New England, which seems to have worked with the Serbians.

In an interview with France Football Dabo said:

"I am not interested in playing in Europe anymore. I have played here 15 years.  My career is done. Over there, salaries are nowhere near what they are in Europe, except for superstars such as Henry and Beckham. I am a defensive midfielder, I am almost 34. I will not be the one selling shirts."

The Dabo signing is not without some controversy with fans many that are worried that he is too old, too out of shape having not played a match in over a year and is not the position that the Revs should have been looking to sign.  These are all valid concerns however in this situation we are willing to give Dabo the benefit of the doubt and have him prove himself to be a worthwhile signing.  Dabo is unknown to us and the MLS, he may turn out to be a great player or Jankauskus 2.0 we don't know yet and it is unfair to judge him sight unseen.  We wish Dabo the best and look forward to seeing him in a Revs kit in Foxboro March 26th.