Ex-German international defender Marcel Schaefer has left Wolfsburg to join American team Tampa Bay Rowdies but will return to the Bundesliga club in 2019 as a coach, it was announced Wednesday.

The 32-year-old will join Tampa as a player, but also wants some experience in club management and will return to Wolfsburg in two years to take up a role in the 2009 German champions' backroom staff.

The left-back played 256 Bundesliga games, an outfield club record, and won the last of his eight Germany caps in 2010.

"Wolfsburg has become home for my family and I but this move to America is a dream come true for us," he said, having made his last Bundesliga appearance in December.

"I'm excited about the challenge, but at the same time I'm already looking forward to my return to Wolfsburg."

Tampa Bay Rowdies are in the USL, the league beneath the MLS.