Foe first came to the attention of the English footballing public in the summer of 1998 before the World Cup in France.
The midfielder was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United when at Lens, and it appeared as though it was a done deal until he broke a leg prior to the finals. Sir Alex Ferguson continued to monitor the player's progress but, just as it appeared he was Old Trafford-bound, West Ham United came in for his signature.
The Cameroon international cost the East London club £4million, but he never really set the Premiership alight. He stayed at Upton Park for just a season-and-a-half, scoring once in 38 appearances, before moving to Lyon for £6million. It's a mystery how they made £2million profit!
His career took another blow in 2000 when he contracted Malaria, but he was soon back on form to help Lyon to the French title.
Went to the World Cup with Cameroon, playing in his country's three games, before flying to Manchester to join City on loan for the season - with a view to a permanent switch.
Boss Kevin Keegan told the club's official website: 'He is a tremendously important signing for us. The other signings are certainly exciting, but some signings you know are just right and this one is.'
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