Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has joined Italian club Lazio in a bid to boost his World Cup hopes.
Germany midfielder moves from Stuttgart to Serie A
Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has joined Italian club Lazio in a bid to boost his World Cup hopes.
The 27-year-old has not played regularly for Stuttgart this season and made his first appearance in almost two months in the recent 1-0 win at Freiburg after struggling with a knee injury.
Germany coach Joachim Low had warned the midfielder that he needed to be playing regularly with the World Cup finals in the summer and he has now switched to Italy to try and achieve this aim.
Stuttgart confirmed that the player's contract, which was due to expire in June, had been terminated on Sunday, allowing him to make the move.
He did not appear in the club's 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund as he was in Rome finalising his transfer.
Stuttgart's director of sport Horst Heldt told the club's
official website: "It was not easy for us to let Thomas leave since he is a player who identifies himself a lot with the club.
"Nevertheless, we respect his decision. We wish Thomas a lot of success with his new club and thank him for his performances for Stuttgart."
Great time
Hitzlsperger, who had been at the club since 2005 after moving from Aston Villa, added: "I had a great time here and have lots of positive memories of the club, its fans and this city.
"The end was not really satisfactory for me, but that is football.
"I am now looking forward to this new challenge. It is a privilege to play in a top league abroad and I would like to continue the good tradition of Germans who have been successful in Italy.
"Lazio tried hard to get me and I am looking forward to joining them the city of Rome and many new challenges.
"I will also keep my fingers crossed for Stuttgart and am convinced that they will end the second half of the season well."
