Bremen secure Fritz signing
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Article summary
Werder Bremen have announced that highly-rated defender Clemens Fritz will join them from Bundesliga rivals Bayer 04 Leverkusen this summer.
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'Quick and versatile'
The 25-year-old, who has agreed a three-year deal and will move to the Weserstadion on a free transfer, joined Leverkusen in 2002 from German second division outfit Karlsruher SC for €1.5m. "He is versatile, quick and plays in a position where we can benefit from him," said Bremen's sporting director Klaus Allofs.
Champions League ambition
The right-back has made 16 impressive Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen this season, leaving their sporting director Rudi Völler to rue his impending departure. "It is a pity Clemens is going. We made him a good offer, but he is hoping to be involved in the Champions League with Bremen and we have tried to be understanding," Völler said. Bremen face Juventus in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 next week.