Now in his 30s, Sylvain Wiltord has a few years left in the tank, but will perhaps always be remembered best for squeezing France's last-minute equaliser past Francesco Toldo in the final of Euro 2000.

The muscular striker, born in the suburbs of Paris, has become a serial offender when it comes to starring in big games.

Arsenal fans fondly recall his championship-winning goal at Old Trafford in May 2002, and his knack of striking when it matters most has continued following his free transfer to Lyon in 2004.

After starting his career at Rennes, where he spent six seasons, Wiltord came to prominence at Bordeaux, enjoying a first season that could hardly have been more spectacular in 1998-99. He finished top scorer in France as Les Girondins picked up the Ligue 1 title and was crowned Player of the Year.

France boss Roger Lemerre couldn't ignore his talents, and Wiltord became the only man to break into the closed shop of the World Cup-winning side when Les Bleus launched their ultimately successful Euro 2000 campaign. Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger broke the club's transfer record to bring him to Highbury, and four seasons in the Premier League brought the pacy forward a whole new raft of honours - even if he did not start as many matches as he would have liked.

Wiltord also objected to being played on the right wing, and chose not to sign a new deal with the English Champions’ last year. Lyon boss Paul Le Guen initially employed Wiltord in midfield, but got the best out of him when he operated as a lone striker.

Le Guen decided to end his Lyon reign after guiding the club to the 2004-05 title, and Wiltord was quick to offer his views on who should - or, more accurately, should not - take charge. "Anyone except Houllier," Wiltord was quoted as saying. The remark did not sit well with club President Jean-Michel Aulas, who had already ear-marked the former Liverpool boss as his top target. Houllier duly took command in the summer 2005 and is thought to have made a 'clear-the-air' chat with Wiltord one of his first tasks.