Official: Ex-BVB star Bittencourt joins the 2. Bundesliga | OneFootball

Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Leonardo Bittencourt is returning to his footballing roots. The 32-year-old is moving to the 2. Bundesliga.

FC Energie Cottbus have secured a high-profile addition for their return to the 2. Bundesliga. Former BVB star Leonardo Bittencourt is joining the promoted side after his contract with SV Werder Bremen expired, thus returning to the club where his football career once began.

The 32-year-old came through the youth academy of the Lausitz club and gained his first experience in professional football in the 2011/12 season. He then went on to play for Borussia Dortmund, Hannover 96, 1. FC Köln, TSG Hoffenheim, and Bremen. In total, the attacking midfielder has made 304 Bundesliga appearances, scoring 32 goals and providing 36 assists.

At Borussia Dortmund, Bittencourt was part of coach Jürgen Klopp’s squad in the 2012/13 season. That year, BVB reached the Champions League final and finished as runners-up in Germany. Now, the Leipzig-born player is returning to his sporting roots. Cottbus have handed the experienced professional a long-term contract. In addition, Bittencourt is also expected to remain with the club after the end of his playing career and later take on a position of responsibility.

Ex-BVB star Bittencourt moves to Cottbus

Coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz expressed his delight at the return of his former protégé. “I saw him in training back then and was fascinated by his carefree nature and his unique way of handling the ball. That’s the kind of football I love,” said the coach.

Photo: IMAGO

Wollitz had already supported Bittencourt early in his career and sees his development as confirmation of that decision. “Back then, despite differing opinions, I brought him into the first team and gave him playing time. Everything that happened afterward speaks for itself.”

According to BILD, Bittencourt is even said to have accepted a financial pay cut for the move. As a result, the promoted club were able to sign a player who, despite his advanced footballing age, still brings enormous experience at the highest level.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.