22.08.2014 17:03 h

Hanover snap up French forward Briand

French international forward Jimmy Briand, who was a free agent after his contract expired at Lyon, has joined Bundesliga club Hanover 96 on a one-year deal.

"Jimmy Briand has quite a flexible profile, allowing him to play on the wing or through the middle of the attack," explained sporting director Dirk Dufner on Hanover's website.

Briand, who turned 29 earlier this month, admitted he was "curious to experience the league in the country of the world champions after playing in France for so many years."

Briand started his career with Rennes before moving to Lyon in 2010 and scoring 22 goals in 110 Ligue 1 appearances at the Stade de Gerland.

He has won five caps for France, the last of which coming in current coach Didier Deschamps' first game in charge against Uruguay in August 2012.

Hanover begin the new Bundesliga campaign at home to Schalke 04 on Saturday afternoon.