Dortmund snap up Castro

Borussia Dortmund have made their first new signing of the summer by completing a deal with Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen for Gonzalo Castro.The Germany international has signed a four-year contract with Dortmund, who have activated a clause in the player's contract to free him one year before its scheduled conclusion for a fixed, undisclosed fee."I want to give myself some new stimulus in my career," said Castro to bayer04.de. "It was not an easy decision."I had a fantastic time here over the years and this club will always have a place in my heart."Castro scored 25 goals in 286 games for Leverkusen, the club he joined as a 17-year-old back in 1999.He can fill the void being left by Sebastian Kehl, who is to retire this summer."We're delighted to have been able to sign such an experienced, technically-strong midfielder who can play a variety of positions," said Dortmund's director of sport Michael Zorc on his club's website. He will link up with Dortmund's new coach Thomas Tuchel for pre-season training in July.

Source: PA