Thomas Gravesen Bio Send To Friend  

A technically strong all-rounder, he can be temperamental, occasionally unruly and injury prone.

Since beginning his career as sweeper for Danish home town super league team Vejle, Gravesen played a wide range of defence and midfield positions after joining Hamburg in 1997.

He was voted as one of the best foreigners in the Bundesliga by readers of 'Kicker' magazine in 1999/2000, and further enhanced his reputation with strong performances against France and Holland at Euro 2000.

He made his Everton debut in a 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic in August 2000 after making the £2.5million switch. And he netted his first goal in the following game against Derby County.

Gravesen soon became a crowd favourite due to his determination, but it all turned sour in his second season at the club. He fell out with manager Walter Smith after publicly criticising his boss and the club's ambition.

Smith told Gravesen he was no longer welcome at Goodison Park - but the midfielder was given a second lease of life under David Moyes following the sacking of Smith.

Gravesen went to the 2002 World Cup finals with Denmark, and would be named their player of the tournament after playing in all four games.

On his return to Everton his form improved to make him one of the most under-rated performers in the Premiership.

He again played well on international duty at Euro 2004, but on his return to England it again looked like he could be on his way out.

As he entered the last year of his contract, Everton had to consider the prospect of him leaving on a freebie.