Charlotte Independence Sign French Midfielder, Gabriel Obertan
August 19, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Independence announced today that their midfield roster will continue to grow with the signing of Gabriel Obertan. The Frenchman represented his country at the under-16, under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-21 levels before going on to compete in the English Premier League for Manchester United and Newcastle United.
"Gabriel is another huge signing for our club," stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. "Not only does he bring a wealth of experience from top clubs throughout the world, he is a proven difference maker in the game at high levels. He raises the bar for our group each day with his ability to see and make plays as well as his competitiveness. I am excited to integrate him with the team and get him on the field; our fans will appreciate the addition of another top, dynamic attacking player."
Obertan was active with France at the youth level. He attended the famous Clairefontaine Academy, the national fútbol centre that specializes in training French players, before making his international debut.
With the under-16s, Obertan made 10 appearances and scored one goal. The following season, he played with the under-17s making 12 appearances and scoring three goals. With the under-18s, Obertan made nine total appearances, and with the under-19 team he made two appearances and scored one goal. He earned his first cap with the under-21 team on February 11, 2009. One month later, he scored his first under-21 goal against England in a friendly at the City Ground in Nottingham.
He began his professional career during the 2006-07 season after signing a three-year contract with French club, Bordeaux, where he made his first professional start at the age of 17. In 2008, Bordeaux loaned Obertan to fellow Ligue 1 side, FC Lorient, where he made 17 appearances and scored two goals.
On July 6, 2009, Bordeaux reached an agreement with English club, Manchester United, for the transfer of Obertan. On July 8th, he signed his contract and officially became an English Premier League (EPL) player. Ahead of the 2011-12 season, the club based in Old Trafford had made plans to rebuild their squad which piqued the interest of fellow EPL sqaud, Newcastle United.
Obertan signed a five year contract with Newcastle United on August 9, 2011 where he competed with one of the Jacks most recent signees, Sylvain Marveaux.
Following his release from Newcastle United, Obertan signed with four different clubs including: Anzhi Makhachkala (2016), Wigan Athletic (2017), Levski Sofia (2017-18) and Erzurumspor (2019). Over the course of his professional career the French midfielder has made 303 appearances and scored 21 goals.
TRANSACTION: Charlotte Independence Sign Midfielder Gabriel Obertan.
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