Testimitanu joins Sheriff's cause

Ivan Testimitanu has signed a five-year contract with the Moldovan club FC Sheriff Tiraspol.

Fine defender
Testimitanu's decision is a boost for Sheriff ahead of tonight's UEFA Champions League second qualifying round match against Grazer AG of Austria as the 28-year-old is widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in Moldova.

Title-winner
Testimitanu was a key part of FC Zimbru Chisinau's success from 1991 to 1998 during which time they were Moldovan champions six times. Testimitanu was also voted Moldovan Player of the Year in both 1995 and 1997 before he moved to the English side Bristol City FC in 1999, thus becoming the only Moldovan footballer to play in England.

Grazer trial
Following a spell in the Korean Republic with Ilhwa Songnam last season, where he won the national championship, Testimitanu had trials during the summer with several clubs, including, ironically, Grazer.