Tziolis returns to seal Bremen loan

Greece midfield player Alexandros Tziolis has joined Werder Bremen on loan for the season from Panathinaikos FC, two months after helping the Greens to a 3-0 UEFA Champions League victory at the Weserstadion.

'Fantastic team'
"This has been a lightning transfer, everything went so fast," said the 23-year-old, who could make the move permanent in the summer. "Werder are a big club with a fantastic team, and the Bundesliga is also very strong. I believe I can develop my skills here, and want to establish myself. This transfer is a dream come true for me." That victory for Panathinaikos on Matchday 4 helped set them on their way to top spot in Group B, leaving Bremen in third place and with a UEFA Cup campaign to ponder.

European ties
Tziolis left Panionios GSS for Panathinaikos in 2005 and went on to play 82 games in the Greek top flight for the Athenians. He made his international debut in January 2006, under former Bremen coach Otto Rehhagel, and now has nine caps. His new club meet AC Milan in UEFA Cup Round of 32, while Panathinaikos will tackle Villarreal CF in the last 16 of the Champions League.