Jean-Pierre CYPRIEN

He was born in Basse-Terre (french Guadeloupe), the 12th of February 1969. This is his second time in Italy since before arriving at Lecce he played for Torino in 1994-95. It was a season to forget for Cyprien who that year played just two games. In France he began to play in 1986 for Le Havre: 2 seasons in Serie A (21 games and 1 goal), 2 seasons in Serie B (60 games and 7 goals).

He is a central defender who can score and didn't take much to be noticed by Saint-Etienne (former team of Michel Platini). He stayed four seasons with Saint-Etienne (Serie A), scoring just 2 goals but playing 130 games. In summer 1994 his destiny seemed to be signed forever, when the italian League opened its doors and welcomed Jean-Pierre. He made his first appearance with Torino ( Serie A ) the 28th of May 1995 (Torino- Reggiana- 4-0). Actually his first italian season flashed past, and, after playing just two games, Torino sent him back to France( Rennes).

The french League seemed to fit better for "the Caribbean", who played 32 games and scored 3 goals, which is not bad for a defender. He proved to be good especially when he can play by his head, both on defense and on offense. He played both for the french juvenile and military national teams, along with Zinedine Zidane. After Rennes an interval in Switzerland came (two seasons with Neuchatel Xamax, 24 games and 1 goal) and lasted until he was finally called back to Italy.

In August 1997 Cyprien arrived at Lecce where he began to conquer the red and yellow fans after an up and down start.However, at the end of Jenuary, he found himself in the middle of an unpleasant affair. Infact he didn't join his teammates, who were in Rome for as special retired training, compelling the Club to fine him. The reasons of his behavior were said to be serious but nevertheless his fans didn't forgive him and, when he was back in Lecce, they heavily contested him, even by racist slogans referred to the colour of his skin.