Ajax signs defender John Heitinga

Amsterdam - John Heitinga is heading home to add some experience to Ajax's young defense.

The Amsterdam club announced Thursday it has signed the veteran defender for one season with an option for a second year. Heitinga was out of contract after playing last season in the Bundesliga for Hertha Berlin.

Heitinga is a product of Ajax's storied youth development program and played 215 matches for the first team before heading overseas where he has played for Atletico Madrid, Everton and Fulham.

He has made 87 international appearances for the Netherlands, including the ill-tempered 2010 World Cup final in Johannesburg, in which he was sent off as the Dutch lost 1-0 to Spain.