Fulham winger Anthony Knockaert has joined French Ligue 2 side Valencinenes on a one-year contract.

The French winger has returned to his homeland on a permanent basis ending a largely forgettable three year spell at Craven Cottage. The 28 year-old joined Fulham on an initial season-long loan from Brighton and Hove Albion and scored seven goals in 39 appearances in all competitions as Scott Parker’s side were promoted from the Championship via the play-offs. The terms of that loan deal meant his move became permanent – for a rumoured fee of £15m – in the summer but Knockaert struggled to make an impact thereafter.

He only played seventeen more games for Fulham in three further campaigns and spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield Town. The 31 year-old winger, who had less than a year remaining on his Fulham deal, has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with Valenciennes, who have the option to extend Knockaert’s deal by a further twelve months.