Kolkka joins Mönchengladbach

VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach have signed Finnish international Joonas Kolkka on a free transfer from Panathinaikos FC.

Three year deal
The 28-year-old signed a three year contract with the former UEFA Cup winners and will take over the place left vacant by Finland team-mate Mikael Forsell's departure back to Chelsea FC. "I am looking forward to playing at 'Gladbach because I know Scandinavian players have a long tradition here," said Kolkka. "I obviously checked their results last season to see how Mikael [Forsell] was getting on."

'A lot of experience'
Sporting director Christian Hochstätter said: "Joonas is very quick and has got a lot of experience. I am very pleased that we were able to persuade him to join us." Before joining Panathinaikos, Kolkka played for PSV Eindhoven, Willem II and Myllykosken Pallo-47. He is the club's third new arrival since the end of the season, with coach Ewald Lienen already having signed South African international Bradley Carnell from VfB Stuttgart and Oliver Kirch from SC Verl.