Croatia striker Klasnic signs for Mainz

Croatia striker Ivan Klasnic, who underwent a successful kidney transplant in 2007, on Tuesday signed for German league side Mainz 05 until the end of the season. The 32-year-old, who has made 41 appearances for Croatia, signed for Mainz after the transfer window closed at midnight on Friday because his previous contract at ex-club Bolton Wanderers expired at the end of last season. “I had a lot of requests, but the opportunity to play at Mainz 05 appealed to me the most,” said Klasnic, who underwent a successful kidney transplant in March 2007 after suffering kidney failure. Klasnic played for German clubs St Pauli from 1997 until 2001, then Werder Bremen from 2001 until 2008 and was part of their team which won the 2004 league and cup double.