THE 'Magic Magyar' joined Albion from Ferencvaros in a £1.5million deal in July 2004, fresh from winning the domestic league and cup double with his former club.<\/P>
The Baggies beat off competition from several top European clubs to land the attacking midfielder, who penned a three-year Hawthorns contract, with a further year's option in the club's favour.<\/P>
Gera's last-gasp equaliser at Sunderland in September 2005 provided a brief highlight during a 2005\/06 campaign which became a virtual write-off thanks to a perplexing pelvic problem which refused to go away.<\/P>
The Hungary international was even given permission by the club to fly back to his homeland for treatment by a specialist who had helped him in the past in a bid to solve the injury problem.<\/P>
Following two failed comebacks at Christmas time, it was a further four months before he returned to action to play in the final seven games, scoring in Albion's Premiership farewell at Everton. <\/P>
Gera was a revelation in his first season in English football during 2004\/05. His all-action displays at right-midfield caught the eye and his six Premiership goals helped the Baggies pull off the Great Escape.<\/P>Gera<\/SPAN> also skippered his country under former Hungary coach and Germany legend Lothar Matthaus.<\/SPAN>","229187823D238BA5":"1680","AA81248D0821D00F98F4B00F632DA61D":"Hungary(U21)","584B722087373EED7A432DDE0763CE35":"4","9B962DAE9CDB1287":"75kg","37FE64B882E92ECB":"Zoltan Gera","74BFD6A545ABAB8E":"Zoltan Gera","F849A024F3C8AF1B2C4A709B4C92BB0F":"2024-2-27","A3B3C821F4815DD2":"12389","165A9E64AAEECF036C1B6B6A72794204F7BF560594F29F16":"1","80071F80C4550E7F":"183cm","e_index":3};