Heldt bound for Stuttgart

VfB Stuttgart have signed former German international Horst Heldt from Austrian club SK Sturm Graz.

'A club with a future'
The 33-year-old midfield player, who won two caps for Germany in 1999, has joined Stuttgart on a free transfer and signed a contract until June 2004. He has already joined the club at their training camp in Albufeira, Portugal. "Stuttgart is a club with a future," Heldt said. "To play there is the best thing which could happen to me right now."

Disappointing season
In 305 1. Bundesliga matches for Eintracht Frankfurt, TSV 1860 München and 1. FC Köln, Heldt scored 33 goals. In 2000 he went to Graz and had a good first season, but failed to keep his place in the starting eleven this term.

Cup tied
Heldt will not be able to help Stuttgart in their fourth round UEFA cup tie against Scottish champions Celtic FC on 20 and 27 February because he has already played for Graz in the first round of the competiton. As well as signing Heldt, Stuttgart have also extended the contract with capitain Zvonimir Soldo for one year until June 2004.