Being without a club since last July, Andreas Hinkel could finally breathe again. Thursday (6 / 10), the former German national team player officially lined up as a new member of the SC Freiburg squad. The process was pretty quick. He underwent medical tests, and then was announced as a new player and immediately underwent initial training on the same day.

This news was first reported by the Stuttgarter Nachrichten that states Hinkel has left VfB Stuttgart, where he practiced, to Freiburg. While he the certainty to join Freiburg until the end of the season, among others, were reported by the Badische Zeitung that posted photos.

The deal was certainly a relief for Hinkel. Moreover, the contract contained an option to extend two seasons if he played well throughout the season. “It’s nice to be able to join Freiburg and terminate the waiting period. I wanted to be involved fully in the team from day one to join and provide the best for this club, “he said.

For Freiburg, the presence of 29-year-old player is in accordance with the needs of the team. Armed with his experience, Hinkel is believed to cover the hole at the defense due to many injuries in the squad.

Sports Director Dirk Durfner is very sure of that. “Andreas Hinkel is a highly experienced professional players. He came to help this club. We are delighted to strengthen the defense with him, “he explained. “In many games, Hinkel has proven his ability as a great full back.”

Hinkel’s ability can not be denied. In early 2000, he was one of the most promising young fullback with Philipp Lahm. Thanks  too it, he could defend the German national team in 21 matches. However, his career began to fade when he left  Stuttgart to Sevilla in 2008. It was then worsen by a series of serious injuries he experienced. Because of that, his contract was not renewed by Glasgow Celtic at the end of last season.