Hoffenheim sign goalkeeper Tom Starke

The 29-year-old arrives on a free transfer from 2. Bundesliga side MSV Duisburg and has signed a three year deal until 30.6.2013. The 1.93m keeper declared himself delighted with the move: "I'm really looking forward to the challenge in Hoffenheim. The last few years have proven that they are a really professional outfit and I want to further develop my game here an contribute to the club establishing itself as a Bundesliga force," said Starke. "We're convinced that Tom Starke fits perfectly into our squad both in terms of ability and personality," added sporting director Jan Schindelmeiser.

The former Germany youth international joined Bayer Leverkusen from Dynamo Dresden in 1999 aged just 18, remaining with the club until 2003. He won the youth league title in 2000 and then the reserve league championship in 2001. He was loaned out to Hamburger SV in December 2003 and made his first two Bundesliga appearances with the club before joining MSV Duisburg in July 2007.

Tom Starke profile:

Date of birth: 18.03.1981 in Freital (Saxony)
Nationality: German
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 1.93 m
Weight: 91 kg
Bundesliga appearances: 33
2.Liga appearances: 101
Former clubs: MSV Duisburg (07/07-06/10), SC Paderborn (01/06-06/07), Bayer Leverkusen (07/04-12/05), Hamburger SV (01/04-06/04), Bayer Leverkusen (07/99-12/03), Dynamo Dresden (07/89-06/99), Stahl Freital (07/88-06/89)