Köln sweet on Heinrich

Former German international Jörg Heinrich has become the latest player to join Bundesliga newcomers 1. FC Köln.

'Huge chance'
The 33-year old signed a two-year deal on Monday and was delighted with the new challenge. "It is a huge chance for me. Both coach Friedhelm Funkel and manager Andreas Rettig gave me the feeling that I am really needed and promised me that I would be able be play in my favourite position on the left side. I hope my experience will help Köln have a successful season."

Champions League winner
Heinrich, capped 37 times by Germany between 1995 and 2002, will join Köln on a free transfer. He started his career with Motor Rathenow before joining Vorwärts Frankfurt/Oder, Chemie Velten, Kickers Emden, SC Freiburg, Dortmund, AC Fiorentina and then Dortmund again. So far he has played 185 Bundesliga matches and scored 24 goals. While with Dortmund he has won two Bundesliga titles, in 1996 and 2002, and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 1997.

Skela staying
Meanwhile, newly promoted Eintracht Frankfurt have taken the next step to completing their Bundesliga squad for the upcoming season by extending Albanian international Ervin Skela's contract by three years. The 26-year-old midfield player, who joined Frankfurt in June 2001, is part of the Albania squad to face the Republic of Ireland on 7 June and Switzerland on 11 June.