Bremen win Charisteas race

The 21-year-old penned a four-year deal at the Weserstadion and has been handed the number 10 jersey vacated by the departure of Claudio Pizarro to Bayern Munich.

Charisteas is best remembered for netting the opening goal against England in the World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford and is rated very highly in Greek football circles.

The move to Germany is said to have been heavily influenced by former Kaiserslautern chief Otto Rehhagel who is currently in charge of the Greek national side.     

Le Championnat leaders Lens and Olympiakos were both rumoured to be interested in the Greek starlet but Bremen have moved swiftly to secure the services of the player. 

"Angelos will assert himself in the Bundesliga. He is good in the air and on the ground," said Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf.