Hitzlsperger keen on Stuttgart stay

(GSM) – Thomas Hitzlsperger has rubbished rumors, linking him to a move away from Stuttgart within this month, by saying he wants to see out his contract.

There had been reports the Germany international was hoping to move on in the January transfer window to ensure he would get regular first-team football ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

And while, the 27-year-old midfielder has been struggling with a knee injury, he made his first appearance in almost two months in Friday’s 1-0 win at Freiburg.

And although Hitzlsperger admits his determination to get back into the starting line-up, he insists he is happy to stay at the Mercedes-Benz Arena until his contract expires this summer.

“It is my desire to remain at the club until the end of the season – I have not been talking to any other club,” he told Deutsche Presseagentur.

“It was a pleasure for me to help the club as a substitute (against Freiburg) straight after my injury.

“There is, however, no doubt I am hoping to be a first-team regular soon.”

Hitzlsperger is available for free in the summer and Real Zaragoza were one of the sides linked with a cut-price move for the former Aston Villa player this month.