Edson Braafheid becomes 4th new signing for 1899

The 27-year old put pen to paper on Thursday after accepting a contract offer lasting until 30th June 2014. "We're pleased that we have been able to fill the gap, left by the sale of Christian Eichner, with a player who boasts real international experience", stated manager Ernst Tanner. New head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli added: "We've have once again bolstered our squad with experience and quality with this signing. Edson is a left-back by trade, but is a modern player as well who can help us at in defence and going forward." The Dutch international, who was part of the 23-man squad that travelled to South Africa during the World Cup, was positive about his move to Sinsheim and the challenges that lay ahead. "The move to Hoffenheim was crucial for me to continue developing as a player, especially with a view to getting into the national team on a regular basis. I know the Bundesliga very well and believe that it will help me settle in at Hoffenheim a lot quicker", explained the new number 28. He joins his international compatriot Ryan Babel in Marco Pezzaiuoli's squad, after he completed his transfer earlier this week.

Short Biography of Edson Braafheid:
Date and place of birth: 08.04.1983 in Paramaribo (Surinam)
Nationality: Dutch, Suriname
Position: Defender
Number: 28
Height: 176cm
Previous Clubs: FC Bayern München (07/2010 - 01/2011), Celtic (02/2010 - 06/2010 on loan), FC Bayern (7/2009 - 1/2010), FC Twente Enschede (2007 - 2009), FC Utrecht (2003 - 2007), FC Abcoude (until 2003)
Honours: Runner-up at the FIFA 2010 World Cup with the Netherlands, German Champion 2010, DFB Pokal Champion 2010 and U-21 European Champion 2006.