Swiss international Gelson Fernandes signed with Freiburg, the Germans announced on Thursday.

Bundesliga stunner side Freiburg strengthen their midfield as defensive midfielder Gelson Fernandes joined the club to sign a contract for an undisclosed period as Freiburg and Sporting Clube de Portugal maintain silence about further contract details.

The 26-year-old midfielder played for quiet a lot of 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.

However, he made 42 caps and two goals during his five years with the Swiss national soccer 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.

Christian Streich's men astonished the Bundesliga when they finished the season on fifth position to ensure a berth in Europe.