Bayern send Sforza packing
Wednesday, August 7, 2002
Article summary
FC Bayern München have released Switzerland midfield player Ciriaco Sforza.
Article body
FC Bayern München have released the Switzerland midfield player Ciriaco Sforza from his contract with immediate effect.
Surplus to requirements
The club announced the decision today barely 48 hours before the start of the new 1. Bundesliga season. Sforza, who had a year to run on his deal, joined Bayern from 1. FC Kaiserslautern in July 2000 but was surplus to requirements last season as coach Ottmar Hitzfeld changed his playing system. It brings to an end Sforza's second spell at the club as he was on their books in the 1995/96 season.
Bayern exodus
After 218 games for Bayern and 22 goals, Sforza follows Carsten Jancker, who has joined the Italian club Udinese Calcio, and the long-serving midfield player, Stefan Effenberg, out of the Olympiastadion.
Limited opportunities
However, the club has signed big-name players such as midfield players Michael Ballack and Sebastian Deisler and winger Zé Roberto who would all have limited Sforza's opportunities. Sforza has been linked with a return to Switzerland and FC Aarau. The club has announced that the decision brings to an end all summer transfer activity.
