Schalke`s Kyriakos Papadopoulos joins Bayer Leverkusen on loan

Berlin: Greek international Kyriakos Papadopoulos of Schalke has agreed to join Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen on a season-long loan.

Schalke`s defender Papadopoulos moved to league rivals Bayer Leverkusen where he penned a loan contract for one year Sunday, reports Xinhua. "I am delighted that my transfer worked out. Unfortunately I was injured often in the past season but now I am back and highly motivated to achieve goals with Leverkusen," the new arrival said. The Greek international scored four goals in 16 caps for Greece. He has been a part of of Schalke since 2010 and has scored three goals in 61 appearances. "His speed, tackling and heading ability, and his will to win makes him an interesting player. With the signing of Kryiakos Papadopoulos we increase our quality in our defence significantly. We are now well prepared for the tasks ahead of us," Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller said. Leverkusen completed the last season in fourth place of the Bundesliga standing, wrapping up a berth for the UEFA Champions League playoffs.