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.

FOOTBALL 2006 World Cup Holland Joris Mathijsen

Image credit: Imago

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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