Lech bring midfielder Murawski back from Rubin

UEFA Europa League contenders KKS Lech Poznań have brought Rafał Murawski back to Poland, paying FC Rubin Kazan a fee of around €1m for the defensive midfielder.

Murawski left Lech for Rubin 18 months ago, scoring once in 30 league games for the Russian side, and helping them win a second successive domestic title in 2009. He has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with Lech, who he first joined in 2006 after spells with Arka Gdynia and KS Amica Wronki.

"I didn't expect to be back at Lech so soon," admitted the 30-year-old, capped 29 times by Poland. "I had a contract with Rubin, but for various reasons I decided to come back to Poland. Lech was my favourite option, but I knew there would be a big fee to pay, so I was not sure if they would decide to spend so much money. They did and I am grateful for that."

Sporting director Marek Pogorzelczyk added: "Of course, there was a danger that Murawski would move to another club, but he made the right decision in coming back to us. There is great atmosphere here in Poznan; the club is doing really well. This is good place for Rafał."

Lech take on SC Braga in the UEFA Europa League round of 32, with the home leg kicking off on 17 February. "I know expectations are high; maybe even higher than when I played here first time, but i will do my best to help the team," said Murawski.