Besiktas have confirmed the arrival of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim defender Andreas Beck.
End of an era in Sinsheim
The 28-year-old joins the Turkish Süper Lig side on a three-year deal, though there has been no mention of a transfer fee. It is, however, expected to be around the €2million range.
Beck came to Hoffenheim back in 2008 from VfB Stuttgart, going on to lead the club, as captain, through its most successful phase.
He played 233 games from the Sinsheim side, scoring three goals and notching up 20 assists in the Bundesliga.
It seemed like Beck was on his way out once the announcement was made that Pavel Kaderábeck would be joining the club, and those initial rumours have been proven true. Along with Sejad Salihovic, this summer has seen Hoffenheim's two stalwarts depart.
"Andi has contributed much to the development of the club," said sporting director Alexander Rosen. He even went as far to say that he was "the face of TSG". Rosen also said that Beck had helped the club become "what we are today - an established member of the Bundesliga".
Beck says emotional goodbye
The right-back released a statement, thanking the club, team-mates and fans:
"It is important for me to say goodbye and thank me all the people in and around the club that I have grown very fond of.
"Also to my team-mates, whom I wish all the best for the future.
"And, of course, the fans. Together we have had ups and downs in the past seven years, that have brought us closer together."
Such is the magnitude of Beck's departure, even owner Dietmar Hopp had his say on their leader. Hopp cited, "discipline, loyalty, fairness, commitment and respect," as qualities that made Beck such a likeable figure around the club.
Quotes via TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.