Wicky Re-Signs With Chivas For '09

Chivas USA announced on Monday that they have signed Swiss international and World Cup veteran Raphaël Wicky to a new contract for the 2009 season. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Raphaël is a talented player with great experience and a good soccer brain," said Chivas USA head coach Preki Radosavljević. "Last year was tough for him with his injury, but we are happy to have him back. We are confident he can continue to help Chivas USA in 2009."

The 31-year-old Wicky, a defensive midfielder, signed with Chivas in February of 2008, but was limited to just five appearances with his new club (one start) due to an ankle injury. He underwent surgery in mid-July and was placed on the season-ending injury list on September 15th, with only 138 minutes of MLS action under his belt.

Part of Switzerland's roster for the European Football Championship in 1996 and 2004, as well as the 2006 World Cup, Wicky has made 75 appearances for his country, starting in 1996. He has spent the majority of his club career playing in Germany with Werder Bremen (1997-2000) and Hamburger SV (2001-2007). He started his career with FC Sion in his native country and had a brief second stint with the club in 2007, shortly before signing with Chivas. He also played for Atletico Madrid for a short spell in 2001.