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Heiko WestermannGerman footballer, defender
Date of Birth: 14.08.1983
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Move to Arminia Bielefeld and Schalke 04
- Schalke 04
- Hamburg and Real Betis
- Real Betis
- Later Career
- FK Austria Wien
- International Career
- Personal Life
Early Life and Career
Greuther FürthGerman footballer Heiko Westermann began his professional career with Greuther Fürth, a second division club. He joined the first team in July 2002 but made his debut on January 26, 2003, in a 1-0 victory over Duisburg. In total, he played 92 matches for the club over three seasons, scoring 5 goals.
Move to Arminia Bielefeld and Schalke 04
Arminia BielefeldIn the 2004/05 season, Westermann joined Arminia Bielefeld. He became a regular starter, featuring in every match of the season, including 34 league games and 5 cup matches. The following season, he continued to be an important member of the Bielefeld squad, missing only one game.
Schalke 04
Westermann made the move to Schalke 04 in 2007 for a transfer fee of 2.8 million euros. He made his debut for Schalke on July 24 in the League Cup against Nürnberg, scoring a goal. After missing the opening two league games due to injury, Westermann made his Bundesliga debut in a 3-1 defeat to Wolfsburg on August 26, 2007. He went on to start 31 of the remaining 33 league matches. Westermann also played a key role in Schalke's Champions League campaign, becoming the only player to play every minute of the competition.
Hamburg and Real Betis
HamburgIn July 2010, Westermann agreed to join Hamburg for a reported transfer fee of 7.5 million euros. Upon his arrival, he was named captain by coach Armin Veh. However, following a series of poor results, including a 9-2 defeat to Bayern Munich, Rafael van der Vaart took over the captaincy in April 2013 to show support for Westermann. On June 25, 2015, Hamburg announced that Westermann's contract would not be renewed for the 2015/16 season.
Real Betis
On August 6, 2015, Westermann signed a two-year contract with newly promoted La Liga club Real Betis. He made his league debut against Real Sociedad on September 12, and scored his first goal for the club on October 4 against Rayo Vallecano. Westermann received his first career red card on November 28, 2015, in a match against Levante.
Later Career
AjaxWestermann was deemed surplus to requirements at Betis by new coach Gustavo Poyet and signed a two-year deal with Eredivisie side Ajax on July 14, 2016.
FK Austria Wien
After his contract with Ajax was terminated, Westermann signed a two-year contract with Austrian club FK Austria Wien until 2019.
International Career
Westermann made his international debut for Germany on January 31, 2008, in a friendly match against Austria. He started the match and played the full 90 minutes. He was part of the German squad that finished as runners-up at Euro 2008. Westermann was forced to miss the 2010 World Cup in South Africa due to a foot injury. He has earned 27 caps for Germany and scored 4 goals.
Personal Life
Westermann married in June 2007 and has two daughters, Lana and Nikita.
