Bundesliga side Wolfsburg have confirmed they have signed midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a three-year deal.
The experienced 29-year-old was a free agent after he was relegated from the Premier League with West Ham last season.
Aston Villa had reportedly been keen to re-sign the Germany international after he spent four years at Villa Park earlier in his career.
A proposed move to Wolves broke down earlier this summer and Hitzlsperger had reportedly been training with Tottenham in a bid to maintain his fitness.
Hitzlsperger earned the nickname the "Der Hammer" for his ferocious left foot shot that became a prominent feature of his game.
"Thomas is a player who will help us with his professional approach and his international experience," Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath told a press conference.
Overjoyed
"I am pleased that he is now with us, because he is a player who can lead the team."
Hitzlsperger made his name at Villa before a successful spell at Stuttgart and less auspicious one at Lazio.
He said: "I am overjoyed that the transfer has gone through. This is the beginning of a great partnership. The club has big ambitions and a coach who epitomises this.
"I am looking forward to being part of the team, already know some of the players who I have played with at club or international level.
"I am highly motivated and very very happy to take up the challenge."
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