PSV Eindhoven announced on its official website on Thursday that the club has signed legendary France international forward Alassane Pléa from Borussia Mönchengladbach.

According to the Eredivisie defending champions' official statement, Pléa has signed on a three-year contract with the club which runs until the summer of 2028. At the same time, he will also wear the No. 14 jersey worn by his idol, Arsenal and France legendary international forward Thierry Henry during his playing career.

After completing his joining procedures, Pléa, who was interviewed by the PSV Eindhoven official website for the first time, said: "I am looking forward to meeting my teammates and I know we will have a barbecue party together soon. This is a good start. "

"When my agent called and told me that Eindhoven was interested in me, I immediately agreed. I have a high opinion of this club and I am also familiar with their coach, Mr. Bosz. I like his football philosophy and the way he plays. And he speaks French, which is an extra surprise. At the same time, the coach also appreciates my ability. All in all, it's a good match for me."

Pléa's arrival is obviously to fill the vacancy left by Belgium international wonderkid Johan Bakayoko who had moved to RB Leipzig on the same day.

About Alassane Pléa

Pléa, 32, was born in Lille, France on March 10, 1993. He is 1.81 meters tall and primarily plays as a center forward. He can also play as a left winger, right winger or attacking midfielder. He has Malian ancestry.

Pléa played for the youth academy of anon-league clubs Ascq and Wasquehal when he was a child. He joined Lyon's youth academy in 2009 and completed his Lyon first-team debut by coming on as a substitute in October 2012.

On the 2014 winter transfer window deadine day, Pléa was loaned-out to Auxerre.

After returning to the club following the end of his loan spell, Pléa moved to Nice for €450,000 in August of the same year.

During his four-year spell with Les Aiglons, Pléa achieved the highest goalscoring efficiency in his career for three consecutive years, thanks to his forward combination with former Italian international center forward Mario Balotelli.

In July 2018, Pléa joined Borussia Mönchengladbach for €25 million.

During his seven-year spell with Die Fohlen, Pléa played 236 times for the Bundesliga powerhouse in all competitions, scored 68 goals, assisted 53 times, and reached the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals twice and the Champions League round of 16s once with the club.