Switzerland international Hakan Yakin has left Young Boys to join Qatar League champions Al Gharafa for the 2008/09 season.

Yakin was the leading scorer in the Swiss league last season with 24 goals and also netted all three of his country's goals at Euro 2008.

'I've heard a lot about the good level of Qatar League especially with a lot of stars playing in Qatar. That is why I preferred Al Gharafa's offer to other offers from England and France,' said the 31-year-old attacking midfielder at a press conference in Doha.

'Playing in Qatar will be a good experience for me and I think it will be a good addition to my career,' he added.

Prior to joining Young Boys in 2005, Yakin played for Swiss sides FC Basle, Grasshoppers and St Gallen as well as spells abroad with Stuttgart and Galatasaray.