Hanke joins German side Freiburg

Berlin: Freiburg signed Mike Hanke from league rivals Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer, both clubs announced.

The 29-year-old left the "Foals" on a free transfer as his expiring contract was not extended after two years of collaboration. During his two years at Monchengladbach he scored 13 goals in 77 appearances to help the club stay up in Bundesliga in 2011 and qualify for the UEFA Champions League play-offs in 2012. Freiburg`s new arrival striker has played for a couple of top-flight clubs such as Schalke, Wolfsburg, Hannover and Monchengladbach. "I spoke to head coach Christian Streich and I think I will fit into the team. It excites me to play in the UEFA Europa League. I see it a bit as my task to lead the young players," Hanke said. The striker is also part of the German football team where he has scored one goal in 13 caps. Both clubs agreed to keep silence Friday about further contract details. IANS