Hitzlsperger leaves Stuttgart for Lazio

Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has completed his move from Stuttgart to Serie A side Lazio.

The Bundesliga club confirmed the deal after their 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, a game Hitzlsperger did not appear in since he was in Rome finalising his transfer.

"It was not easy for us to let Thomas leave since he is a player who identifies himself a lot with the club," said Stuttgart's director of sport Horst Heldt on the www.vfb.de website.

"Nevertheless, we respect his decision. We wish Thomas a lot of success with his new club and thank him for his performances for VfB Stuttgart."

The 27-year-old former Aston Villa midfielder had fallen out of favour at Stuttgart under new coach Christian Gross.

His motivation for making the move now is to retain his chances of playing for Germany at the World Cup in the summer.

"I had a great time here and have lots of positive memories of the club, its fans and this city," Hitzlsperger said.

"The end was not really satisfactory for me, but that is football.

"I am now looking forward to this new challenge. It is a privilege to play in a top league abroad and I would like to continue the good tradition of Germans who have been successful in Italy.

"Lazio tried hard to get me and I am looking forward to joining them the city of Rome and many new challenges.

"I will also keep my fingers crossed for VfB and am convinced that they will end the second half of the season well."

Hitzlsperger's second spell abroad after four years in England will begin at the Stadio Olimpico next Sunday as Lazio host Catania.

He was expected to see his new team in action tonight, away to Juventus in Serie A.

Stuttgart confirmed that the player's contract, which was due to expire in June, had been terminated today, allowing him to make the move.