Berlin, Feb 3 (IANS): Swiss football club FC Basel's Marcelo Diaz has joined Germany's Hamburg until June 2017.

Hamburg reinforced their squad with the signing of midfielder Marcelo Diaz Monday, the last day of the winter transfer in Germany, reports Xinhua.

The Chilean international passed the medical Friday and penned a two-and-a-half-year contract with the "Rothosen".

"Marcelo's qualities were proved at the World Cup last summer. He was one of strongest players who always want the ball, even in difficult situations. This is what we expect from him and what he has done at a high level," Hamburg's director of professional football Peter Knaebel said.

The new arrival joined from defending Swiss champions FC Basel where he scored seven goals in 56 appearances.

Since 2011, the 28-year-old midfielder has been a part of Chile's national team where he has scored one goal in 20 appearances.

"I am very glad to be here and I hope I can help to stay in the top flight. I'm sure that we can make it," the new arrival said.