Hertha sign Bayern midfielder Ottl

Newly-promoted Hertha Berlin have signed midfielder Andreas Ottl from Bayern Munich on a free transfer, the capital city club announced Saturday as they prepare to return to the German league.

The 26-year-old Ottl has signed a three-year contract, having been at Bayern since 1996, and made 15 appearances for Munich in the Bundesliga last season.

He is the second Bayern player to join Hertha recently as goalkeeper Thomas Kraft has also signed for Berlin.

"Andreas Ottl is an experienced Bundesliga player, who will help us not only next season, but also in the years to come," said Hertha club boss Michael Preetz.

Ottl said he is looking forward to playing for Hertha, who won Germany's second division last season under coach Markus Babbel.

"Hertha Berlin are the new challenge that I am looking forward to after 15 years in Munich " said Ottl.

"It will be really exciting to play in front of the big crowds they get at the Olympic Stadium."