Canadian soccer captain Stalteri signs with German club
Last Updated: Monday, December 22, 2008 | 10:25 AM ET
CBC Sports
Paul Stalteri has signed with Borussia Monchengladbach. (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Paul Stalteri is on his way back to Germany.
The 31-year-old defender confirmed on his website Monday that he has signed with Borussia Monchengladbach and will join the German club on Jan. 1.
Stalteri, captain of Canada's national team, parted company by mutual consent with Tottenham Hotspurs of the English Premier League this past weekend. The Toronto native leaves the Spurs after scoring three goals in 56 games over three years for the London club.
Before joining Tottenham in 2005, Stalteri played several seasons in the German Bundesliga with Werder Bremen.
Stalteri made 35 appearances in his debut season for the Spurs in 2005-06, but played just 14 games the next season. In 2007-08, he made six appearances for the Spurs before being loaned out to fellow London club Fulham where he was a regular starter.
His move to Borussia Monchengladbach puts an end to speculation that he was set to return home sign with Toronto FC of Major League Soccer.
Borussia Monchengladbach has won just three games this season and sits in last place in the 18-team German first division.
Stalteri won't be the only Canadian on the Borussia Monchengladbach roster, as striker Rob Friend, from Rosetown, Sask., has played for the German club since 2007.
A veteran of the Canadian national team, Stalteri ranks third in appearances for Canada with 73. Only Randy Samuel (82) and Mark Watson (78) have played more games for Canada.
