Zoltan Gera Bio Send To Friend  

Versatile Hungarian international Zoltan Gera officially joined Fulham on July 1 2008, after completing a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion.

The Baggies, newly-promoted to the Premier League ahead of the 2008/09 season, offered Gera a new contract, but he turned it down in favour of move to west London.

Gera joined the Baggies in July 2004 from Hungarian club Ferencvárosi TC for £1.5 million. He signed a three-year deal with Albion, with a further one year option.

Best utilised in an attacking midfield role, though has been used as out-and-out striker, Gera scored 25 goals during his time at the Hawthorns.

In his first season he played all 38 games and scored six goals to helped West Brom avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Injury subsequently robbed Gera of his best form, with a hernia operation scuppering his and West Brom's 2005/06 campaign - he played just 16 league game netting twice. Shorn of his invention the Baggies were relegated, but Gera vowed to remain and help the club return to the top flight, despite rumoured interest from a host of sides.

In the 2006/07 season Gera made 43 league appearances, scoring five goals, as West Brom tried but failed to escape the Championship at the first time of asking, falling at the play-off hurdle.

The 2007/08 season proved to be more successful for both player and club; Gera again made 43 appearances, but chipped in with eight goals as the Baggies won the title and with it promotion.

Before his move to West Brom he won the Hungarian league and cup double with Ferencvaros and became captain of his national side by former Hungarian coach, Lothar Matthaus in 2004.

Gera made his international debut against Switzerland in February 2002 and ahead of the 2008/09 season had 53 caps and 16 goals for Hungary.