Bundesliga bad-boy Franz switches to Hertha

Bundesliga new boys Hertha Berlin have boosted their defence by signing tough-tackling Maik Franz on a three-year deal from relegated Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday. The 29-year-old has a reputation for being difficult to play against and is one of the most uncompromising characters in the Bundesliga who picked up ten yellow cards and one red last season. He will bring some steel to Berlin's defence having joined on a free transfer after Hertha won promotion from the second division last season. "Maik is a very versatile, uncompromising defensive player who brings an enormous wealth of experience," said Hertha's CEO Michael Preetz. "He is a good guy and will fit into our team very well." Franz will wear the number seven shirt of a defensive midfielder and is relishing the challenge with Hertha set to host Nuremberg when the new season kicks off on Friday August 5 -- the same day Franz turns 30. "After discussions with the managers and coaches, I quickly realised that I only want to switch to Hertha," said Franz. "Hertha Berlin are a great challenge for me, I want to use my strengths to help the team and to play in front of their great fans."