RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's football club Botafogo announced on Wednesday that striker Andre Lima was hired to play for Germany's Hertha Berlin.

    The Brazilian club informed that Lima signed a four-year contract with the German team. Also on Wednesday, he will play his farewell match for Botafogo, in the squad's debut at the 2007 South American Cup, against team Corinthians at Maracana Stadium.

    The 22-year-old player started his professional career at club Vasco da Gama in 2004, joining Botafogo in December 2006. Since then, he has achieved expressive results, ending as top scorer of the Cup of Brazil, won by his team. Besides, with 12 goals, he currently is the top scorer of the Brazilian League, which is on course. Altogether, he scored 21 goals in 37 official games played for Botafogo.

    At Hertha Berlin, he will rely on the company of three other Brazilians: midfielder Mineiro, and wingbacks Gilberto and Lucio.

    According to a Lima's representative, Spain's Racing Santander also showed interest in hiring the striker, but Hertha Berlin offered a contract with a longer duration.

    Lima is scheduled to leave for Germany on Thursday to undergo medical admission tests.