Bayer Leverkusen have re-signed their former midfielder Hanno Balitsch following his decision to leave Hannover.

The 29-year-old announced his departure from the Reds after they only narrowly avoided relegation earlier this month and he has now completed a move back to Leverkusen, who he represented for three years before moving to Mainz in 2005.

He has signed a two-year contract with Leverkusen and moves on a free transfer since his contract with Hannover expires this summer.

"Hanno Balitsch is a dynamic player and a battler who will certainly give us more stability in midfield," said Leverkusen's director of sport Rudi Voller on his club's website. "This will be very important for us both domestically and in Europe next season."

Balitsch is already the fourth confirmed new signing for Leverkusen this summer, joining Sidney Sam, Domagoj Vida and Zvonko Pamic at the club. Balitsch, who picked up his one and only Germany cap during his last spell in Leverkusen, is delighted to be back.

"This is a great story for me and another big sporting challenge," he said. "I am really looking forward to fighting for my place in a strong team and to play in Europe."