Stuttgart get their man in Macheda
Stuttgart - VfB Stuttgart have taken Italy Under-21 international striker Federico Macheda on loan until the end of the season from English Premier League leaders Manchester United FC.
Got their man
Macheda has successfully passed a medical in Stuttgart and is immediately available to head coach Bruno Labbadia.
The 21-year-old, who has also gained experience in Italy's Serie A with UC Sampdoria, and played in two UEFA Champions League matches this season, has been given the number 14 shirt with the Swabians and is eligible to make his debut against another European heavyweight, FC Bayern Munich, on Sunday.
"We wanted to sign a striker and we're pleased to have found one now in Federico Macheda from Manchester United," said Stuttgart's sporting drector Fredi Bobic. "Federico is young and hungry for success, so he therefore fits in very well here in Stuttgart. He comes from a top European club and has already proven himself there. We now want to integrate him into the team as quickly as possible."
Macheda: "I've followed the Bundesliga"
Macheda, who scored on his Premier League debut and has appeared a total of 22 times in the English top flight, is now looking forward to making an impression on another top European league. "I've followed the Bundesliga and of course I know VfB Stuttgart," said the Italian, who links up with compatriot Cristian Molinaro with the Swabians.
"I'm delighted to be able to play for VfB. I've now got to get to know my new team mates and settle in because we've got lots of interesting games coming up in three competitions."
