Edgar Steven Davids (born March 13, 1973 in Paramaribo, Surinam) is a Dutch football player who plays for Tottenham Hotspur F.C. in the English Premiership.
Davids is nicknamed Pitbull for his ferocity in fighting for 50-50 chances at tackling the opponent for the ball as did his off-field antics. He is regarded as a difficult character, and often comes over as aloof and alien, only listening to his own opinion. He started his career at Ajax in 1991, and helped the Amsterdam club to the UEFA Cup title in 1992 and the Champions League crown in 1995. He then moved to Italy, first to AC Milan (1996-98), then Juventus (1998-2004), and finally Inter Milan (2004-05). Davids also spent part of the 2004 season on loan with Barcelona. The move to England and Tottenham came in August 2005 on a free transfer.
Davids' contributions to the Dutch team have been immense despite not winning any major tournament in the orange jersey. His most vital contribution to date came in the 1998 World Cup in France in the second round against then Yugoslavia where he scored a lovely goal with a strong volley from just outside the penalty area to earn his team a quarter final meeting with Argentina. Davids has been called up once again to the Dutch squad ahead of the world cup qualifiers.
His recall to the National Squad has been due to excellent performances at Tottenham Hotspur, helping add 'bite' to the Tottenham Midfield. Edgar is self confessed Spurs fan and this along with relationship with the manager Martin Jol has seen him providing one to one training with younger members of the Spurs squad.
During Euro 96, he was sent home by then Netherlands team manager Guus Hiddink for saying in a radio interview: "Hiddink must take his head out of white players' arses, so he can see better." The Dutch team perfomed poorly in the tournament despite coming there with great expectations.
Nonetheless, Davids remained appreciated by Hiddink who still included him in the Dutch squad for the 1998 World Cup when Davids impressed although he did not participate in every game. He also played in Euro 2000 and Euro 2004.
Davids suffers from glaucoma, which means he has to wear protective goggles during football matches.
On May 17, 2001, Davids was suspended by FIFA when he tested positive for the banned steroid, nandralone.
