Forward Guido Burgstaller has opted for a new challenge abroad. The 25 year old, signed in Summer 2011 from SC Wiener Neustadt, will don the colours of Welsh capital club Cardiff City in the coming season. Burgstaller, capped 7 times by Austria, has already undergone a medical with the Bluebirds, who have just suffered relegation from the English Premier League. The two clubs have agreed an undisclosed transfer fee. Rapid had previously taken up an option to extend Burgstaller's stay in Vienna, however that option would have seen Burgstaller tied to the club only until Summer 2015.Sporting Director Andreas Müller commented: "Guido played an major role for us last season, especially in Autumn, and through his positive attitude he was an important player. But he's received this chance to prove himself in football's motherland and was keen to grasp the opportunity. As we've been able to agree terms with Cardiff, we didn't want to stand in Burgi's way and prevent him from realising his dream. We'll definitely look to compensate for the loss with some new additions: there is still more than two weeks until the players return to training so we ask the Rapid fans to remain patient with us. I wish Guido Burgstaller personally, and on behalf of SK Rapid Vienna, all the best with this new phase of his career."Speaking about his transfer Guido Burgstaller, currently in Wales, said: "I'm leaving with a bit of a tear in the eye as during my time with Rapid I always felt at home and always had unbelievable support from everyone involved.  But now I want to take my chance to play in a strong league consisting of big clubs such as Nottingham Forest, Leeds, Norwich, Millwall and Blackburn, show what I'm capable of, and help the club get back into the Premier League. I'd like to thank the coaching staff, the management and club President, all the employees and last but not least the incredible Green & White fans for three great years. Of course I'll keep my fingers crossed for the club's future success! Finally, I think my hat-trick in the last league game in Ried was a worthy send off."Burgstaller made 109 appearances for Rapid (85 Bundesliga, 7 FA Cup, 17 Europa League) under managers Peter Schöttel and Zoran Barisic. Since making his début for Austria against Finland in 2012, he has made a further 6 appearances and remains in national boss Marcel Koller's plans.
23.05.2014