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Werder Bremen sign Claudio Pizarro for third time after Bayern exit

Claudio Pizarro has rejoined Werder Bremen on a free transfer after leaving Bayern Munich.

Pizarro, 36, is reported to have signed a one-year contract as he returns to the Weserstadion for the third time.

The Peruvian striker had spent the last three years at Bayern, where he made 50 Bundesliga appearances and scored 16 goals, but he was released in the summer after failing to score in his 13 league games for the champions last season.

Pizarro had begun his European career with Bremen in 1999 and, after leaving for Bayern in 2001, returned for a second spell in 2008 after he left Chelsea.

On Monday, the club confirmed that Pizarro, who was greeted by hundreds of Werder fans at Bremen airport on Sunday, was returning for a third spell.

"Once his contract at Bayern had expired, we considered signing Claudio for Werder," Bremen CEO Thomas Eichin said on the club's official website. "Over the last few days we intensified our thoughts, and held on an honest exchange of views over our expectations. We are delighted that Claudio is prepared to join us on our way.

"He knows our philosophy with our young players and wants to help develop this team."

Pizarro, who during the contract talks asked to take the No. 14 shirt, added: "I hope that I can use my experience for this team in the best way possible.

"I profited from a similar situation as a young player, when Bremen in my first year signed Julio Cesar. I am looking forward to meeting my many new colleagues."

Pizarro has made a total of 383 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern and Bremen, scoring 176 league goals.

No other foreign player has played in more league games or scored more goals than Pizarro, who has won the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal six times apiece.