Former Germany international Grosskreutz joins Darmstadt

Berlin, April 11: Defender Kevin Grosskreutz has joined bottom side Darmstadt, the Bundesliga team confirmed on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old will strengthen Darmstadt for the next season as he put pen to paper on a deal until June 2019, reports Xinhua news agency.

"I am delighted and proud that we have managed to sign a player like Kevin Grosskreutz. Kevin has a vast experience, is a world champion and played on an absolute top level. He will be an important part of our team for the coming season," Darmstadt's coach Torsten Frings said in a statement.

Grosskreutz has spent his most successful time at Dortmund from 2009 until 2015 when he provided 23 goals in 178 appearances for the "BVB". During his spell at Dortmund, he lifted the Bundesliga title in 2011 as well as the German domestic double in 2012.

"I am really looking forward to play for Darmstadt. Torsten Frings convinced me that this is the right step for me. I will do everything to ensure that we will have success together," Grosskreutz said, who was part of Germany's 2014 FIFA World Cup winning squad.

After a short spell at Turkish outfit Galatasaray in 2016, he moved to Stuttgart where he was released from his contract due to a bar fight in March 2017.

Darmstadt sit currently on the last place of the Bundesliga standings. The "Lilien" are 14 points away from safety and will likely relegate into the second division.