Charisteas joins Bremen at last

Greek international forward Angelos Charisteas has sealed his €3m switch from FC Aris Thessaloniki to SV Werder Bremen.

Record transfer
The 22-year-old has long been linked with the move to Bremen and had passed a medical and agreed terms but a final transfer fee could not be agreed until now. He will become the most expensive acquisition in the German club's history.

Four-year deal
The tall striker has signed a four-year contract with Bremen, ending the interest of other leading clubs from France and Italy. Charisteas had joined Aris in 1997 from amateur club Strimonikos for just €2,900.

International acclaim
Charisteas scored 20 goals in 94 first-division matches for Aris but struggled with a thigh muscle injury in his last season at the club. He has prospered at international level under Greece's German coach Otto Rehhagel, scoring three goals in his first five appearances.

Goal against England
The highlight came when he scored in the World Cup qualifier with England at Old Trafford in October 2001. The match finished 2-2, with Greece caught out by David Beckham's last-minute free-kick that booked their finals place. He also represented Greece at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Switzerland last month.