Congolese Lubumbashi-based club, TP Mazembe has confirmed the signing of former Montpelier defender Vanden Borre on a free transfer less than two months after he retired from the game.
Speaking to Belgian media on the surprise move, Borre confirmed the signing and said,
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I’m really proud. For those that know me, they know what TP Mazembe means to me. I’m really proud to be going ‘home’.[/perfectpullquote]
“Perhaps you don’t know much about this club, but it’s a big club for me and one of which I had dreamed of. Now that it’s done, I’m very happy.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“TP Mazembe is a very ambitious club. You just need to see the president and understand that. I’m not going there to sleep. I’m going there with heart, to give the best I have, and to try and win as many trophies as possible.”[/perfectpullquote]
The 29-year-old started his playing career at Anderlecht after rising through its youth system with friend and former teammate, Vincent Kompany – now with Manchester City.
Borre then signed his first professional contract after an impressive debut at only 16 and 187 days old.
Potentially considered a bigger-star-in-the-making over Kompany at the time, his technical ability, passing, and vision made him a fan favorite before he was signed for €4 million by Fiorentina.
After a year at Fiorentina, Borre joined Genoa on a duo-ownership deal to get more playing time after a couple of injuries reduced his chances of breaking into the first team. After two years at Genoa, he was then loaned out to English side Portsmouth before returning to Italy in 2010.
Born in DR Congo to a Congolese mother, the right-back who holds a dual Belgian and Congolese citizenship chose to represent Belgium at the senior level when he was 16.
He was part of the Belgium 2014 World Cup team and featured in the team’s win against South Korea in Brazil.
He later played for Genk, Anderlecht before announcing retirement from football on January 10th this year just after his loan spell with Montpelier.
Borre who has officially signed for TP Mazembe less than two months into retirement still hopes for another Belgium national team call-up.
He will be linking up with TP Mazembe’s new coach, Thierry Froger. The Frenchman was brought in to replace compatriot Hebert Velud as the team aims for continental glory.
Featured photo: Getty Images
