Hypo-NÖ with strong reinforcements

Danish international Gitte Aaen is leaving Champions League finalists Viborg HK after this season to join another European top team, Hypo Niederösterreich.

Viborg did not extend their contract with the 28 year old left winger who has played 29 internationals for Denmark. Instead she now signed a one year contract with the Austrian champions after four years in Viborg.

"I am relieved after having signed the contract. Now my future is settled, and I feel really well about that. I am really looking forward to test myself in Hypo, that will be a great challenge to me," Aaen told the local newspaper Viborg Stifts Folkeblad.

Also Romanian international Carmen Amariei will continue her career in the Vienna based top club. The 31 year old backcourt player is currently playing for FCK Håndbold, but the Danish team will cease to exist after this season. Carmen Amariei has signed for one season with the option of adding another year.

"I am really happy with my decision about changing to Hypo, and I am really looking forward to play in the Champions League in the coming season. The Austrian team is the most successful club in Europe and it'll be a great honour to wear their colours next season. I certainly hope to contribute a lot," Carmen Amariei said about her change to the Austrian club who has won the Women’s Champions League eight times in the past – although their latest triumph in the tournament was back in 2000.

Carmen Amariei is the fourth FCK player who has fund a new club. Right winger Louise Lyksborg is joining German Leipzig, while right back Linn-Kristien Riegelhuth is returning to Norway and Larvik, and goalkeeper Christina Pedersen stays in Denmark and joins Viborg.

More Hypo-NÖ signings are expected to be announced during the coming week.