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Birthdate:
28.10.1981
Birthplace: Valassake, Czech Republic
Other clubs: Banik Ostrava, Aston Villa, Lyon, Portsmouth (loan), Galatasaray
Bought from: Banik Ostrava
Signed for LFC: £3200000 26.07.2001
International debut: 25.04.2001 vs. Belgium
International caps: 77/38 (38/23 at LFC) - 10.10.2009
Liverpool debut:
13.03.2002
Last appearance: 20.08.2005
Debut goal: 14.09.2002
Last goal: 09.03.2005
Contract expiry: 23.08.2005
LFC league games/goals: 68 / 19
Total LFC games/goals: 108 / 27
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Player Notes:
Baros was well known amongst youth scouts for his brilliant displays for the Czech youth teams, but was still an unknown at the big stage when Houllier snapped him up. Baros looked bit out of shape when he arrived and the rumour was he would not stay for long. But to his credit he arrived at the start of season 2002-2003 leaner and meaner and ready for action. He won admiration for his sheer determination to stamp his authority on the game. His energetic runs up field with the ball at his feet were a joy to behold.
Baros was the top-scorer in EURO 2004 with 5 goals in 5 games as the Czech Republic reached the semi-finals, but after a good start to the 2004-2005 season his form faded and Rafa decided to cash in by selling the player to Aston Villa towards the end of August, 2005.
Baros rather curiously rejoined Houllier at French champions Lyon on 22nd January, 2007 after an uneasy relationship at Liverpool. Although his new club won their 6th French Division One championship in a row a few months later Houllier was replaced by Alain Perrin and the Czech forward played significantly less under the new manager. On November 1st, 2007 Baros was stopped by the French Police for a serious motoring offence, in which he was recorded driving his Ferrari at more than twice the speed-limit, an astonishing 271 km/h. Car and licence were confiscated and Baros had to use a taxi to get back to Lyon. In view of this indiscretion, it probably wasn't a big surprise that Baros did not stay in France for much longer and towards the end of the January 2008 transfer-window he was unveiled as a Portsmouth player, initially on loan until the end of the season. Baros helped Portsmouth reach the F.A. cup final and he received a winners' medal after coming on as a substitute for Kanu with 3 minutes remaining of the Wembley final against Cardiff City. However he hadn't impressed Harry Redknapp to sign him permanently and he returned to Lyon after failing to score in 16 appearances for Pompey.
Baros joined Harry Kewell at Turkish giants Galatasaray in the summer of 2008. He enjoyed a very successful first season in Turkey, scoring 26 goals from 43 first-team appearances in all competitions. This was the highest total of goals he had scored in a single season since becoming a professional footballer in his homeland with Banik Ostrava in 1998. Milan's total of club goals is now just short of the one hundred mark. |
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