Mario Gotze expressed his excitement at returning to the Champions League after sealing his transfer to Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt.
The 30-year-old former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich man has returned to the Bundesliga for a reported €4million fee after spending two years with Eredivisie giants PSV.
Frankfurt confirmed the midfielder had signed a three-year deal on Tuesday, as Oliver Glasner looks to strengthen his squad for next season’s Champions League campaign.
Speaking to the club’s website, Gotze said: “I’m incredibly excited about joining Eintracht Frankfurt. This club have made remarkable progress and have started out on an exciting and ambitious path, on which I can now accompany them.
“This club have a great foundation. From the stadium to the fans to the city, everything is just to my liking. I’m really looking forward to my return to the Bundesliga, as well as the chance to play in the Champions League.”
Gotze, who has won 63 caps for Germany, scored the only goal of his country’s 2014 World Cup final win over Argentina, earning Die Mannschaft their fourth world title.
Board member Markus Krosche told the club’s media channels: “The fact that a player like Mario Gotze has chosen, with full conviction, Eintracht Frankfurt over numerous other offers, speaks volumes for the outstanding image that the club has built over the past few years.
“I don’t need to say much about his footballing qualities. We’ve been lacking a player of his type. Mario’s technical ability will help our game enormously.”
As well as being seeded for next season’s Champions League group stage, Frankfurt will face Real Madrid in August’s UEFA Super Cup in Helsinki after beating Rangers on penalties in Seville last month.