Miroslav Klose joins Lazio

Klose, a Lazio player now

Germany striker Miroslav Klose has signed a two-year deal with Serie A side Lazio on a free transfer.

Klose had earlier failed to agree on a contract extension with Bayern Munich. The striker, who turned 33 on Thursday, had been linked with a switch to the Premier League after his contract with the Bundesliga giants expired. Newly promoted Norwich City and Everton were in competition to sign the veteran.

Klose had a forgettable season with Bayern Munich, with most of his 20 league appearances coming from the bench. He managed to score just once in those matches.

“Miroslav Klose is a Lazio player,” read a brief statement on the Lazio website, after Klose completed his medical. ‘The president, the staff and all the fans would like to wish him many happy returns.’

Klose has always said he wants to play on until Euro 2012, to be hosted by the Ukraine and Poland next June, which may well be his swansong, and the Germany coaches have insisted all national players must have regular football.

“I welcome the news,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew, with Klose reported to have secured a guarantee of first-team football at Lazio.

“It’s good for him if he plays at a club where he is used regularly again.”

After Karl-Heinz Riedle, Thomas Doll and Thomas Hitzlsperger, Klose becomes the fourth German to join Lazio.