Wolfsburg bolster back line with Friedrich

VfL Wolfsburg have signed Germany centre-back Arne Friedrich from relegated Hertha BSC Berlin on a three-year deal.

The 31-year-old moves to the 2008/09 Bundesliga title winners for an undisclosed fee after spending eight seasons at Hertha. Wolfsburg chief executive officer Dieter Hoeness said: "We're very happy that Arne has chosen to play at our club. He brings a lot to this team, not only as an experienced and determined player but also as a positive personality. He will certainly help us to stabilise our defence."

After starting his career at FC Gütersloh, Friedrich switched to SC Verl before a two-year stint at DSC Arminia Bielefeld. He joined Hertha in 2002 and went on to make 231 Bundesliga appearances for the club, but could not save them from demotion last term. He has been an ever-present for Germany during the ongoing FIFA World Cup and if picked for his country's quarter-final against Argentina on Saturday, Friedrich will win his 77th cap.