Just days before the start of the 2012 MLS season, the Chicago Fire have signed former German international Arne Friedrich, according to the player's personal website. The 32-year-old defender was once one of his country's top defenders, taking part in the Euros 2004 and 2008 and the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
Germany’s Arne Friedrich Says He Has Signed With Chicago Fire
Arne Friedrich was once one of Germany’s top defenders and will now apparently be joining the Fire.
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More recently, though, he’s battled a knee injury that has limited him to about a half season of play since the 2010 World Cup. That injury led VfL Wolfsburg to terminate his contract, just about a year after they had paid a €2million transfer fee to obtain his services from Hertha BSC. Friedrich has not played in more than a year.
Assuming Friedrich is fully recovered, though, this could be a huge signing. He’ll immediately be the most accomplished centerback in MLS and could help shore up a position that the Fire really appear to be weak at.
For more on the signing, be sure to check out Fire blog Hot Time In Old Town.
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