Timo Hildebrand is hoping for a "new beginning" after becoming a Hoffenheim player.
The former Germany international goalkeeper joined the Bundesliga leaders on a free transfer after having his contract with Valencia terminated by mutual consent last week.
He now hopes to put one of the most disappointing years of his career behind him after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Bundesliga newcomers, just a stone throw away from his former home in Stuttgart.
"I want to get playing again," said the 29-year-old, who had been demoted to third-choice at Valencia this season to add to the disappointment of not making the Germany squad for Euro 2008.
"The important thing is that I now feel wanted and to play again. That was not the case recently in Valencia."
Hildebrand last played for the Los Che in the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid on August 24.
His limited opportunities prompted Hildebrand to requested a meeting with club bosses when it was agreed he would be allowed to leave when the transfer market re-opens in January.
Last Thursday, his transfer was brought forward when his contract was rescinded and Hoffenheim were quick to complete a deal.
"His remarks that he wants to make a completely new beginning convinced us and made us push the transfer through," explained Hoffenheim general manager Jan Schindelmeiser.
"Parallels can be drawn between him and our young players because even he has come to start afresh and work his way back to the top."
Hildebrand will be reacquainted with the man who launched his career a decade ago.
Hoffenheim coach Ralf Rangnick gave Hildebrand his debut while in charge of Stuttgart and he is happy to welcome his former pupil back.
"Timo is the kind of goalkeeper who plays exactly how I like it," he said.
"I do not know another goalkeeper in Germany who is a better footballer than he is."
However, Rangnick stopped short of guaranteeing Hildebrand an immediate place in his first team.
He first expects the stopper to prove he can get back to his best form after such a long spell without a competitive games.
"We want to get Timo back into the form he was in when he moved to Spain in the summer of 2007 as quickly as possible," added Rangnick.
Germany coach Joachim Low will also be interested to see how he progresses back in the Bundesliga.
After a recent meeting he left the door to a return to the national team open, on the one condition that he proves his ability while playing regular football at a high level.
Hoffenheim is certainly the right address for that at the moment as they lead the way in the Bundesliga heading into the winter break and Hildebrand's arrival is another sign of their ever-increasing ambition.
