The 33-year-old French international, who left Lyon after three years, is keen to prove he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.

A decade after leaving Rennes, who finished fourth last season, Wiltord returns to his roots where he will hope to guide his new club through the UEFA Cup and also to a French League title.

The Frenchman, who has also played for Bordeaux and Arsenal, takes with him an impressive resume which includes a European Championship title and a World Cup runners-up medal.

Wiltord has also won the French League championship on four occasions, once with Bordeaux and three times with Lyon, and the English Premiership twice, as well as the FA Cup twice and the FA Community Shield.

The Frenchman struggled last season with a string of injuries which left the 1999 French league top scorer (22 goals) with just five to his name.

Wiltord also had trouble off the pitch.

Towards the end of the season he was temporarily axed from the squad by former Lyon coach Gerard Houllier after he was accused of unsettling the balance and concentration of the team.

"I don't exactly know what people are blaming me for. I have a private life, I like to have fun, but I work hard," he said.

Wiltord's troubles followed him to pre-season training when he was questioned by police over a road-traffic violation.

Struggling to cement his place in the starting eleven at Lyon last season, Wiltord will now find himself playing more regularly at Rennes, despite a string of summer signings at the Brittany club.

And a regular starting place for the veteran striker could give him the impetus needed to impress France coach Raymond Domenech and earn himself a recall to the national team.

Wiltord, who helped France win the Euro 2000 title, needs eight more caps to reach the 100-mark.