Andreas Ivanschitz (born 15 October 1983 in Eisenstadt) is an Austrian football player who plays as an attacking midfielder for Fußball-Bundesliga club 1. FSV Mainz 05 on loan from Panathinaikos.^[1]

[edit] Club career

Ivanschitz began his football career as a youth in his town's local team called ASK Baumgarten, where he spent nine years (1989–1998).

Soon, Rapid Wien scouters found out about his talent and in 1998, he signed his first professional contract with the Austrian champions. He was only 16 years old when he wore his team's shirt during an Austrian Cup match against Ranshofen (26 October 1999). His first official League match was in 2000 against Wüstenrot Salzburg. In 177 games for Rapid Wien, Ivanschitz scored 27 times, winning the Austrian Championship title in 2004–05. In 2003, he was elected "Austrian Footballer of the Year."

Ivanschitz then transferred to Red Bull Salzburg in January 2006, and then to Greek Super League club Panathinaikos in August 2006 on a two-year loan. On 20 June 2008, Ivanschitz agreed to continue his career in Panathinaikos, this time on a permanent deal.^[2]

After three years in Greece with Panathinaikos he agreed on 18 July 2009 on a two year loan with Fußball-Bundesliga promoted team FSV Mainz 05 with a buyout clause for another two years of contract.

[edit] International career

Ivanschitz made his debut for Austria in a February 2003 friendly match against Greece, coming on as a substitute for Markus Weissenberger. He was also a participant at the UEFA Euro 2008. He has earned 42 caps for Austria and has scored six goals.^[3]

He was also the captain of Austria despite being only 25-years-old. Ivanschitz wears shirt number 10 in the national team and his position is in the midfield, preferably in an attacking position. Ivanschitz is considered the David Beckham of Austria, despite favouring his left foot; still the name stuck because of his exposure to the local media and popularity with the fans. In September 2009 he was disbanded from Dietmar Constantini the coach will never call up the playmaker.^[4]

[edit] Honours

Rapid Wien

• Austrian Footballer of the Year (1): 2003
• Austrian Football Bundesliga (1): 2005

[edit] Personal

Ivanschitz comes from a musical family and plays various musical instruments in his spare time.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Official website
• Career stats

Andreas Ivanschitz - Navigation boxes and awards v • d • e Austria squad – UEFA Euro 2008 1 Manninger • 2 Standfest • 3 Stranzl • 4 Pogatetz • 5 Fuchs • 6 Aufhauser • 7 Vastić • 8 Leitgeb • 9 Linz • 10 Ivanschitz • 11 Korkmaz • 12 Gërçaliu • 13 Katzer • 14 Garics • 15 Prödl • 16 Patocka • 17 Hiden • 18 Kienast • 19 Säumel • 20 Harnik • 21 Macho • 22 Hoffer • 23 Özcan • Coach: Hickersberger v • d • e Austrian Footballer of the Year 1984: Prohaska | 1985: Prohaska | 1986: Polster | 1987: Weber | 1988: Prohaska | 1989: Rodax | 1990: Ogris | 1991: Gorosito | 1992: Herzog | 1993: Wohlfahrt | 1994: Pfeifenberger | 1995: Vastić | 1996: Konsel | 1997: Polster | 1998: Vastić | 1999: Vastić | 2000: Gilewicz | 2001: Brunmayr | 2002: Janočko | 2003: Ivanschitz | 2004: Hofmann | 2005: Bazina | 2006: Zickler | 2007: Vastić | 2008: Hofmann