Berlin, Jun 28 (IANS): Swiss international footballer Gelson Fernandes signed with Freiburg.

Bundesliga side Freiburg strengthened their midfield as defensive midfielder Fernandes joined the club from Sporting Clube de Portugal to sign a contract for an undisclosed period Thursday as both the clubs maintain silence about further contract details, reports Xinhua.

The 26-year-old has played for several clubs, on short term and mainly on loan, such as Sion, Manchester City, Saint Etienne, Chievo Verona, Leicester City, Udinese and Sporting Clube de Portugal. He has made 42 caps and scored two goals during his five years with the Swiss national football team.

"Gelson is a hard running team player with game intelligence. We are convinced that he fits well into our team," Freiburg sporting director Klemens Hartenbacher said.

Freiburg astonished everyone when they finished the season in fifth position to ensure a berth in Europa League.