BERLIN, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Union Berlin have signed former Germany international Christian Gentner, the newly promoted Bundesliga side announced in an official statement on Friday.
The 33-year-old midfielder has penned a one-year contract and will stay with the "Eisernen" until summer 2020.
"Christian Gentner has proven in his career that he is an absolute leader who can carry a team along. He knows the Bundesliga for more than 10 years, has won two league titles and experienced all the ups and downs of professional football," Union Berlin's CEO of professional football Oliver Ruhnert said.
Gentner played since July 2010 for Stuttgart and provided 48 goals in overall 322 competitive appearances. His last season with Stuttgart ended with the relegation into the second division hence Gentner did not extend his expiring contract.
Union's new arrival played from 2009 until 2010 for Germany's national team where he made four international caps.
"The talks with those responsible at Union were very convincing. Union has developed fantastically in recent years. I am pleased to be part of this team now," Gentner said.
Union Berlin overcame Gentner's former club Stuttgart 2-2 on aggregate in the Bundesliga relegation owing to the away goal rule. With the result, Union will be the 56th club to play in Germany's top flight.
