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Stuttgart's Marica joins Schalke as a free agent

FC Schalke 04 have signed VfB Stuttgart's Romania forward Ciprian Marica on a free transfer, with sporting director Horst Heldt saying the 25-year-old "meets our requirements perfectly".

Ciprian Marica celebrates a UEFA Europa League goal for Stuttgart last season
Ciprian Marica celebrates a UEFA Europa League goal for Stuttgart last season ©Getty Images

FC Schalke 04 have signed VfB Stuttgart's Romania forward Ciprian Marica on a free transfer, with the 25-year-old committing to the UEFA Europa League hopefuls until June 2013.

"Ciprian meets our requirements perfectly," said Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt. "He knows the Bundesliga, speaks several languages and is a free agent. We are very happy the transfer worked out, as several big clubs in Europe showed a strong interest in him."

Marica joined Stuttgart from FC Shakhtar Donetsk in 2007 and scored 19 goals in 93 Bundesliga games for the Swabians. He has also registered 16 times in 49 matches for Romania and will strengthen the German Cup winners' hand ahead of the UEFA Europa League play-offs.