Ziege finalizes return to Germany
FRANKFURT, Germany -- Christian Ziege left for Euro 2004 with the German team on Wednesday after signing a two-year contract at Bundesliga club Borussia Moenchengladbach.
The 32-year-old left back joins on a free transfer from English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, where he was released at the end of this season.
"I had the feeling that the club really wanted me," said Ziege about Moenchengladbach, a former top club which finished 12th last season.
Ziege has not played in Germany since leaving Bayern Munich in 1997 having had spells abroad at AC Milan, Middlesbrough, Liverpool and Tottenham.
Ziege was sidelined for most of last season with a thigh injury, but received a surprise call-up into Germany's Euro squad when Christian Rahn pulled out injured.
Veteran Swiss midfielder Ciriaco Sforza, 34, has extended his contract with Kaiserslautern for another two seasons, the club said.
Kaiserslautern had offered Sforza the job of sports director from next month but the former international said he wanted to continue his playing career following a second achilles tendon operation.
Turkey midfielder Yildiray Basturk is joining Hertha Berlin from Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer.
The 25-year-old has signed a three-year contract, the Berlin club said on Wednesday.
