Klasnic: Mainz attracted me the most

Mainz have given Ivan Klasnic a route back into the Bundesliga by signing the former Werder Bremen striker on a one-year contract. The Croatian, who was released by Bolton Wanderers in the summer, signed the deal after successfully passing a medical yesterday, although he was not Mainz's first-choice striker target. "He was always our plan B," said the Bundesliga club's general manager Christian Heidel. "After the transfer of Adrian Ramos failed to materialise, we wanted to get this one wrapped up as quickly as possible." Nevertheless, with his experience of 49 goals in Germany's top flight when he formed half of Bremen's infamous K & K attack along with Miroslav Klose, he is a player Mainz are delighted to have at their disposal. "We were looking for an experienced player who knows the Bundesliga to go with our young attack," added Heidel on his club's official website. "This is what we see in Ivan Klasnic. He has proven his quality, particularly his eye for goal, at all of his previous clubs." Klasnic welcomed the move back to Germany, where he enjoyed the best moments of his career in Bremen. "I had a long list of enquiries, but the chance to play in the Bundesliga again with Mainz attracted me the most," said the 32-year-old. "The transfer is also good for my family because I get to live closer to my daughter, who lives in Hamburg, again." Klasnic has a fortnight to build up his fitness before Mainz's next game of the season against Bayern Munich on 15 September. From : Fifa