Werder Bremen and midfielder Fabian Ernst will part company at the end of the season. This was the result of negotiations between the German champions and the 25 year-old on Tuesday morning as announced by sport director Klaus Allofs: "Fabian Ernst has explained to us that after five years at Werder Bremen he is now seeking another challenge and we have to accept that."

Fabian Ernst commented: "I've recieved a very good offer from Werder Bremen but the financial element plays as lesser roll in my decision. Having spent such a long time at Werder I feel I'd like to get to know something new."

The parting of ways between Fabian Ernst and Werder Bremen, who experienced the high of last seasons double win together, is amicable. Ernst said: "When I leave I will have left five very nice years behind me. I became an international during this time and won two titles. It has always been fun to be a part of this team."

Klaus Allofs commented: "We regret Fabians decision but we can now only search for alternatives."

Fabian Ernst moved from Hamburg SV to Werder Bremen on 11.07.2000. The current German international has played 132 of his 180 Bundesliga games in a Werder shirt.