After months of anticipation, Major League Soccer has officially signed German national team superstar Lothar Matthaeus to a one-year contract, MLS Executive Vice President Ivan Gazidis announced during the league’s weekly media teleconference call on Aug. 17. The 1998-99 German Footballer of the Year and former FIFA World Player of the Year will join the league next February and play for the MetroStars in 2000. Pending his schedule with current club Bayern Munich, Matthaeus is scheduled to travel to the United States for an introductory news conference in the near future. After months of discussions between Major League Soccer executives and Matthaeus’ representatives, league officials were able to finalize a contract last week. However, a written statement from Bayern Munich releasing Matthaeus from his contract with the club did not arrive until recently. “Lothar Matthaeus is one of the most significant signings in Major League Soccer’s four-year history,” Gazidis said. “He brings world-class experience to the league and is considered one of the best players in the history of the game. Particularly impressive is his current level of play, as evidenced by the media recently naming him the German Player of the Year.” The all-time world leader in World Cup appearances with 25, Matthaeus, 38, is one of the most prominent players in the history of world soccer. He is the only field player to participate in five World Cups, and served as captain of the 1990 West German World Champions. The 5-foot-8, 155-pound Matthaeus’ 139 appearances for Germany rank third all-time in the world. A tenacious player who is effective as a sweeper (libero) or midfielder, he is the current German national team captain and has played for renowned clubs Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Borussia Moenchengladbach during a 21-season playing career at the first division level. Matthaeus’ strong desire to experience the American culture and his ability to help promote soccer in the United States were key factors in his decision to play for the MetroStars. In addition, he is following in the footsteps of current Bayern Munich President Franz Beckenbauer, who played five seasons for the North American Soccer League’s New York Cosmos. “I am looking forward to experiencing a new country, a new mentality and contributing to the MetroStars organization, both on and off the field,” said Matthaeus, who speaks fluent English. “I want to continue my playing career for another one or two years and I am excited about this change in environment.” Matthaeus is scheduled to have his Bundesliga farewell against Werder Bremen on December 18, take a vacation and then report for MLS preseason training in February.