28 March 2012

Schröck to join Hoffenheim

1899 Hoffenheim have announced their first new signing ahead of next season. Stephan Schröck, who currently plays for Bundesliga 2 leaders SpVgg Greuther Fürth, will move to Sinsheim on a free transfer this summer after the defender put pen-to-paper on a contract lasting until 30th June 2015 with the Kraichgau outfit.


"I'm very much looking forward to the challenge at 1899, who have made a name for themselves on their way to becoming an established side in the Bundesliga," stated Schröck of his move. "I can take the next step in my career here."

Hoffenheim's head coach Markus Babbel had this to say about his first summer signing: "Stephan Schröck was a prime transfer target of mine. He has all the qualities that a modern day defender needs to have. In signing him we have gained the necessary substance and will have more alternatives in our defensive department for the future."

Philippine international on the books

The son of a Philippine mother and German father, Schröck played for DJK Schweinfurt during his early years before moving to SpVgg Greuther Fürth in 2001 as a teenager. In 2004/05 he made the leap into the first team and also represented Germany at both the U-18 and U-20 level.

However last year Schröck announced his intention to play for the Philippines and promptly went on to make his international debut on 29th June 2011 against Sri Lanka. A month later he scored his first goal during a World Cup qualifier versus Kuwait which ended in a 2-1 loss for the Philippines.


bundesliga

7 comments:

  1. Awesome. If he can make the First XI at Hoffenheim he will be the most experienced Azkals player in not just a top division but a top division in one of the world's biggest leagues. His signing should also be able to move American Fabian Johnson up top more. Go Schrock!

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    1. that's great.....the first Filipino player in the Bundesliga and I am sure he will make it to the starting eleven, that's why coach Babbel convinced him to join Hoffenheim....the other side will be that he will much more not available for playing for the Azkals (except on friendly matches on FIFA sanctioned days....)...so no Suzuki cup, AFC Challange cup and stuff like this....

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    2. Denis Wolf is the first Filipino player who has played in Bundesliga. That was back in 2003 when he was only 20.

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  2. marami ng filipino naglaro sa Bundesliga..Pinaka sikat ngayon si David Alaba ng FC Bayern

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    1. oo agree, pero naglaro si David Alaba sa Austria hindi piliin niya sa Filipinas...just meant 1st Pinoy who might wear the Philippine NAtional jersey...

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  3. Dennis Cagara and Denis Wolf have already played Bundeliga matches.

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    1. yeah correct but that was long ago....long before they even considered to play ever for the Philippines.

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