Bierofka seals Stuttgart switch
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Article summary
News round-up: Germany midfield player Daniel Bierofka has sealed a move to UEFA Cup qualifiers VfB Stuttgart.
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VfB Stuttgart
Real Zaragoza goalkeeper César Laínez has announced his retirement after ongoing injury problems. The 28-year-old underwent surgery to remove a blood clot from his left knee at the start of the season and has since been unable to regain his first-team place. "A chapter in my life has closed and hopefully a new, brighter one will be opening," said Laínez, who made 103 league appearances for Zaragoza and won the Spanish Cup last season.
CF Estrela da Amadora defender Mauro Gama, 21, has died after a car crash in Portugal. The car's driver, Gama's team-mate Humberto Miranda, also sustained serious injuries and is in a coma. The duo had been on loan at GD Tourizense but were due to return to Estrela next season. The Amadora side had a fine 2004/05 campaign, reaching the Portuguese Cup semi-finals and winning promotion to the SuperLiga.
Heart of Midlothian FC have signed defender Christophe Berra on a new three-year contract. The 20-year-old made 14 appearances at Tynecastle this season, covering for Andy Webster and captain Steven Pressley. "I want to prove that I can be a regular. I know I am capable of challenging Andy and Steven," said Berra.
Ferencvárosi TC will take no part in next season's Hungarian Cup as punishment for their behaviour in the final against Matáv Football Club Sopron on 11 May. The disciplinary committee of the Hungarian Football League imposed the ban after three Ferencváros players were dismissed and coach Csaba László forced to leave the dugout in an ugly 5-1 defeat. Ferencváros then refused to take part in the post-match ceremony. Their prize money for finishing second - €4,000 - will be given to charity.
Bundesliga side 1. FSV Mainz 05 have signed Ghanaian striker Otto Addo from BV Borussia Dortmund. The 29-year-old, who has made just 13 starts in four seasons at the Westfalenstadion, has agreed a two-year deal subject to a medical. Mainz, promoted to the German top flight last summer, surprised many in a successful campaign that saw them defeat Werder Bremen, Leverkusen and FC Schalke 04 to finish eleventh.
