Mathijsen a Hamburger

Hamburg SV have signed Netherlands international defender Joris Mathijsen from AZ Alkmaar for a reported 6 million euros. The recent departure of Khalid Boulahrouz to Chelsea had left the Bundesliga side short of personnel in the centre of defence.

Eurosport

Image credit: TNT Sports

Manager Thomas Doll was thrilled at the coup, and announced on Thursday “It's a super signing, as he's a regular in Marco van Basten's Dutch national side. We gave him a good welcome today.”

The 26 year-old has signed a four-year contract with his new club, is already looking forward to Champions League football this season, as Hamburg were drawn in Group G along with Arsenal, FC Porto and CSKA Moscow.

“HSV are a big club with great players and I am looking forward to the challenge. My decision did not depend on their UEFA Champions League qualification, but I did watch the Osasuna game on television and aged about five years. When Nigel de Jong scored the equaliser, I jumped up and cheered."

Europa League

Mathijsen a Hamburger

Hamburg SV have signed Netherlands international defender Joris Mathijsen from AZ Alkmaar for a reported 6 million euros. The recent departure of Khalid Boulahrouz to Chelsea had left the Bundesliga side short of personnel in the centre of defence.

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