Defensive strengthening: Swiss international Johan Djourou arrives from Arsenal London to join Hannover 96 on loan.


Successful medical

Both clubs have agreed a loan spell until 30th June 2013. This agreement is conditional to the arrival of Arsenal’s documents in Hanover. Djourou, who was born on the 18th January 1987 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, completed his medical on Friday night after his arrival in Hanover and travelled to join up with the squad in the Algarve on Saturday morning. The team are at the ROBINSON Club ‘Quinta da Ria’ preparing themselves for the second half of the season and are due to return on Sunday 14th January 2013.

Swiss international with pedigree

Johan Djourou has made 86 appearances in the Premier League for the Gunners since 2006, scoring only once. In the current season he made only two appearances, both in the League Cup. He has made 31 appearances for his country and notably played in Hanover for Switzerland in their 2006 World Cup group stage win (2-0) against South Korea. The 6”3’ defender has both Swiss and Ivorian citizenship.

Professional with international experience

“Johan Djourou is a professional with international experience who can help us reach our goals. He fits with what we are looking for because he is also eligible to play for us in the UEFA Europa League”, said Jörg Schmadtke, sporting director of Hannover 96. “After the injuries to Felipe and Leon Andreasen, we’ve had a shortage in the defensive area. He’s physically strong, tactically astute and is willing to give everything. Those are the reasons he will be a success for us”, said 96-manager Mirko Slomka.

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