CARDIFF CITY SIGN GUIDO BURGSTALLER

Cardiff City are delighted to announce the signing of Rapid Wien midfielder Guido Burgstaller for an undisclosed fee. 

The 25-year-old Austrian International officially joins the Bluebirds on a three-year-deal having successfully completed his medical at the club on Thursday afternoon. 

The towering midfielder enjoyed a fruitful 2013-14 campaign in the Austrian capital, scoring 12 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions, helping Rapid to a second placed finish in the Austrian Bundesliga one position higher than their third placed finish the previous year. 

Speaking exclusively to Cardiff City Player after confirming the deal, Burgstaller said: “My decision to join Cardiff City was never in question when the club first contacted me, it has always been a dream for me to play in this country.

“I’ve followed Cardiff in the Premier League last season and I’m very proud and honoured to be given the chance to wear the Cardiff City jersey - I’m a big admirer of the passion of the fans here.”

Nicknamed ‘Burgi’ in his native Austria, the left footed midfielder started his career at FC Kärnten before transferring to the Austrian Bundesliga and Wiener Neustadt in 2008. Three years at the Stadion Wiener Neustadt saw him make 81 appearances, netting 12 goals. 

A move to Rapid Wien followed in 2011 where he quickly established himself as a regular starter. 95 appearances in all competitions, including experience in the UEFA Europa League, has seen him score 25 goals from his midfield berth. A debut for national side Austria came in 2012 in their World Cup qualifying match with neighbouring Germany, a cap he added to last September in back-to-back qualifiers with Germany and Ireland.

Burgstaller’s most prolific spell came last season - a campaign topped off by a hat-trick in Rapid’s final game of 2013-14 and a 5-2 away victory over Ried.

After completing his move to Cardiff City, Guido has today reported for international duty with Austria ahead of upcoming friendly fixtures against Iceland and the Czech Republic.

Cardiff City Football Club would like to place on record our thanks to all at Rapid Wien for their co-operation in the transfer.