The Tampa Bay Rowdies have signed Wolfsburg legend Marcel Schafer ahead of the side's United Soccer League's debut, the club announced on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old spent 10 seasons with the Bundesliga outfit, setting the club record for most league appearances by a field player and scoring 13 league goals with 39 assists.
Schafer said he was looking forward to the challenge.
OFFICIAL: @VfL_Wolfsburg legend Marcel Schäfer has signed with the Rowdies ahead of our @USL debut!
Read more: https://t.co/4AQFgnPcZG pic.twitter.com/eq7u3anFgB
- Tampa Bay Rowdies (@TampaBayRowdies) March 1, 2017
"After a 14-year career in Germany, I am very excited to take a new step in my life," he said. "The Tampa Bay Rowdies is a great project, and it is an honor to be a part of this club."
The left-back will compete for a spot in the midfield, the club said.
"We're delighted to bring in a player of Marcel's caliber and expertise to our squad," Rowdies coach Stuart Campbell said. "His career speaks for itself. He's played at a high level for a long time and we think he'll adapt to our club and our league pretty quickly."
Schafer made eight appearances for the Germany national team from 2008 to 2010.
Tampa Bay kicks off the 2017 season at home on March 25 against Orlando City B.