Brazilian hot-shot Ailton signs for German minnows

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BERLIN, Dec 2, 2009 (AFP) - Brazilian striker Ailton, the Bundesliga's top-scorer in the 2003-04 season, has signed an 18-month deal for German sixth division side KFC Uerdingen - at the age of 36.

The Brazilian won the German player of the year award in 2004 when Werder Bremen won the league and cup double here.

Since then he has played for German clubs Schalke 04, Hamburg and Duisburg making a total of 219 Bundesliga appearances and scoring 106 goals, but now he wants to help lift his new club up the regional leagues.

"Ailton comes and the whole of Germany laughs," the Brazilian said at a press conference.

"It is crazy, but the club's idea is interesting.

"I am very happy to be back in Germany, now I want to score lots of goals for Uerdingen."

The club's chairman Agissilaos Kourkoudialos insists the signing is part of the club's future planning.

"Everybody thinks this is just a PR-stunt," said Kourkoudialos.

"But we have a vision to reach the third division.

"We have a five-year plan and Ailton has an 18 month contract and in this time we want to win promotion twice."

Ailton has spent the bulk of his career in Germany and made 169 appearances for Bremen between 1998 to 2004.

Since then he has played for a host of clubs including Turkish side Besiktas, Red Star Belgrade, Grasshopper in Switzerland, the Ukraine's Metalurh Donetsk and even Chinese club Chongqing Lifan.

His contract at Lifan finished on November 1 and he is expected to play for his new club in the new year.

Along with Switerland's Stephane Chapuisat and compatriot Giovane Elber, he is one of the few foreigners to score more than 100 Bundesliga goals.