Starke to leave Hoffenheim

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim goalkeeper Tom Starke has agreed a moved to Bavarian giants FC Bayern Munich and will join the club in the summer. He has been released from his contract with Hoffenheim, which originally ran until June 2013, and put pen to paper on a deal until the summer of 2015 with Germany's record title winners. The details of the transfer will remain undisclosed.

Starke, who arrived in Sinsheim at the beginning of the 2010-11 season, said of the transfer: “They were two exciting years in Hoffenheim. Even when things may have been difficult on the pitch, my family and I always felt happy living here and we have made a lot of friends. I wish the club and especially the fans, who always supported me greatly, every success.”

TSG head coach Markus Babbel took the opportunity to thank Starke, who has made a name for himself as a true professional. “On behalf of the club, I'd like to express my utmost thanks to Tom for everything he has achieved here in the past two years. We wish him a successful time in Bavaria.”

The 31-year-old made 58 Bundesliga appearances for 1899, as well as featuring in six German Cup ties. In Munich he will take the place of the retiring Hans Jörg Butt as understudy to regular keeper and Germany number one Manuel Neuer.