Schalke swoop for free agent Hildebrand
Friday, October 21, 2011
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FC Schalke 04 have reacted to the knee ligament injury suffered by goalkeeper Ralf Fährmann by bringing in former Germany international Timo Hildebrand on a free transfer.
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FC Schalke 04 have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old had been looking for a new club since leaving Sporting Clube de Portugal in the summer and the Gelsenkirchen outfit offered him a deal after Ralf Fährmann suffered ligament damage in his left knee during the 2-1 defeat by 1. FC Kaiserslautern last Saturday.
Hildebrand, a former Germany international, played a major role in helping VfB Stuttgart win the Bundesliga title in 2007 before signing for Valencia CF. He also played for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim for two seasons before moving to Portugal.
"It would have been a great risk to only have two keepers in our squad so we decided to sign Timo Hildebrand, who has great quality," said general manager Horst Heldt. "He is at a good age for a goalkeeper and is very goal-orientated."
