Former Portsmouth, Everton, Manchester City and Newcastle defender estimates how much he'd be worth in today's transfer market

He’s regarded as one of the best defenders in Pompey history.
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Sylvain Distin had absolutely every attribute you’d wish for in a centre-half – rapid pace, power and the ability to snuff out any danger that came his way.

The Frenchman had two superb seasons at Fratton Park, after arriving from Manchester City in 2007.

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Distin forged a superb central-defensive partnership with Sol Campbell as the Blues captured the FA Cup in his first season at the club.

The ex-Newcastle man’s unbelievable goal-line clearance in the quarter-final victory at Manchester United defied logic before keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 success over Cardiff to clinch the silverware.

Distin departed for Everton just weeks into the 2009-10 season for a reported fee of around £5m.

Nevertheless, his contributions donning the star and crescent mean he is still held in high regard by the Fratton faithful.

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And responding to one supporter on Twitter, Distin jested how much he would be worth in today's transfer market.

Sylvain Distin with Sulley Muntari,centre, and Sol Campbell, right, celebrate Pompey's FA Cup 2008 semi-final win over West Brom. Picture: Will CaddySylvain Distin with Sulley Muntari,centre, and Sol Campbell, right, celebrate Pompey's FA Cup 2008 semi-final win over West Brom. Picture: Will Caddy
Sylvain Distin with Sulley Muntari,centre, and Sol Campbell, right, celebrate Pompey's FA Cup 2008 semi-final win over West Brom. Picture: Will Caddy

Transfer fees have increased manifold since the former Newcastle ace was at the peak of his powers.

Harry Maguire joined Manchester United from Leicester City last summer for £80m, while in January 2018 Virgil van Dijk moved to Liverpool from Southampton for £75m.

So taking inflation and how much players have been fetching recently, Distin quipped that a price tag of £200m would be slapped on his head if he were still playing.

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Not only that but wages have also risen profusely, with Distin joking he'd be earning a cool £200,000 per week.

Sylvain Distin in action for Pompey. Picture: Will CaddySylvain Distin in action for Pompey. Picture: Will Caddy
Sylvain Distin in action for Pompey. Picture: Will Caddy

He wrote on Twitter: ‘Thanks guys. I would price myself at £80m with £200k a week please .... to start with.’

In total, Distin made 96 appearances for Pompey.

He retired in 2016 after spending the final season of his career back on the south coast at AFC Bournemouth.

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