Malbranque is a highly promising young player who made the move from French side Lyon to Fulham in August 2001 for a fee of £4.5million.
The midfielder actually came close to joining Arsenal a couple of seasons earlier but rejected the move as he felt he wasn't ready to play in the Premiership. But when Fulham offered him a second chance he decided to take it.
The player was just 18 when he made his debut for Lyon, and before that had great success with the club's youth sides - he won the Under-15 championship twice, the Under-17 Cup and the reserve team championship.
Malbranque, who captained the French Under-18 side despite being Belgium-born, is said to be one of the best young players the country has to offer.
Made his Fulham debut in a 3-2 defeat at Manchester United and soon showed the kind of attacking qualities which are sure to light up the Premiership. Went on to score ten goals in his first season - even though he was one of the few bearded players of the modern era.
Played for the much fancied France side which lost the final of the European Under-21 Championships final to the Czech Republic in May 2002.
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