On Friday, 12th January 2007, VfL Wolfsburg finally got the man they were after, Marcelo dos Santos.

The club announced the signing of the Brazilian playmaker Marcelinho from the Turkish first division club Trabzonspor. Wolves fans will know the midfielder from his five years at local rivals Hertha.

Marcelinho, 31, has signed a 2-year-deal with an option for a further year and will wear the number 32 on his back for the Wolves:

“I really wanted to return to the Bundesliga so I am very happy. I will give my all to take the Wolves forward”, said Marcelo.

Wolves boss, Klaus Fuchs, was extremely happy with the deal.

“Both sides wanted the deal to go through, and we can face the second half of the season with confidence”

“The signing of such a player represents a milestone for the club. Marcelinho will give us the creativity in midfield we have been missing”

Borussia Dortmund were also interested in signing the former Hertha star, so negotiations took a little longer than usual

The Brazilian has a clause in his contract which stipulates that he must live within 35 kilometres of Wolfsburg. No details regarding the transfer fee were disclosed.

“He was top of our list; we were looking for a creative midfielder of his calibre. He will help the team right away and we will give him the chance to shine as he did at Hertha.”