Belarus international Alexander Hleb is back to German Bundesliga powerhouse VfB Stuttgart where he used to play from 2000 until 2005, it was revealed on Thursday.

During that period midfielder Hleb started in 137 Bundesliga matches for Stuttgart and earned 13 goals.

Hleb, captain of national Belarus team, is loan by VfB Stuttgart for a year from Champions League champion FC Barcelona.

The transfer was sealed on Thursday morning and Hleb will carry the shirt number 23.

Gossips meant to have heard that the Belarus midfielder already rejected to play for Inter Milan as well as for another Bundesliga team Bayern Munich.

"I decided for Stuttgart while this team has a big potential and I'm convinced that together we can earn a lot," Hleb said.

The 28-year-old midfielder had played for Arsenal in London before he changed to FC Barcelona last year.

In Stuttgart the "homecomer" is dearly welcome.

"We brought Alex home. He belongs to the world class football players and he will help us to earn our seal," said Stuttgart Manager Horst Heldt.

The Swabians will reportedly pay a lending-fee of 2 million euros and take over the bulk of his salary of about 4 million euros.

(Xinhua News Agency July 31, 2009)