Kirchhoff joins Bayern from Mainz
Friday, January 4, 2013
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FC Bayern München chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is "delighted" about this summer's free transfer of Germany U21 defender Jan Tilman Kirchhoff from 1. FSV Mainz 05.
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FC Bayern München have announced that central defender Jan Tilman Kirchhoff will join from 1. FSV Mainz 05 on a free transfer this summer.
Kirchhoff announced last month his decision to leave Mainz at the end of the season and will sign a contract with Bayern that ties him to the club until 2016. He is likely to represent Germany at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Israel this summer, having made eight appearances in qualifying.
"We are delighted that such a young and talented U21 player has chosen FC Bayern München," said chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Striker Mario Gomez, meanwhile, added: "Speaking from experience, I know that he is a very good player."
Kirchhoff, who made his Mainz debut in November 2008, has predominantly featured in defensive midfield this season. His new employers face Arsenal FC in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, with the first leg in London on 19 February.