Stephan Schröck joins TSG on a free transfer

“I'm looking forward to the challenge at Hoffenheim, who have established themselves as a respected Bundesliga club in the past few years,” said Schröck. “This is where I can take my game to the next level.” Hoffenheim's head coach Markus Babbel was equally pleased about his first new signing for the next season: “Stephan Schröck was on top of my list as far as new signings are concerned. He has every quality a modern defender requires. With him on board, we will have more options in our defensive department in the next season.”

Son of a Philippine mother and a German father, Schröck started his footballing exploits as a youth at DJK Schweinfurt, until he joined the U-17's squad of SpVgg Greuther Fürth in 2001. Originally a midfielder, he made his professional debut in the 2004/05 season for Fürth and most recently was deployed as right wing back.

Schröck was part of Germany's U18 and U20 squad, but last year he made the change to the national team of the Philippine's and promptly made his international debut on June 29th, 2011 against Sri Lanka. A month later, he celebrated his first goal during the 2-1 defeat against Kuwait.

Profile

Name: Stephan Markus Cabizares Schröck

Date of Birth: 21.08.1986

Nationality: German, Philippine

Height/Weight: 1.70m / 68kg

Appearances/Goals 2. Bundesliga: 178 / 7