Former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker, convicted of tax evasion last year, plans to move to Switzerland, his spokesman said on Tuesday.

Becker, whose heroics on the tennis court made him one of Germany's biggest celebrities, has founded a sports marketing company with Swiss business partner Hans-Dieter Cleven.

"I am looking forward to my life in Switzerland. Friends of mine have praised the attractions of the country in the highest tones," Becker said in a statement.

"Of course, I will still remain true to Germany," added Becker, who is the latest sporting personality to leave the country.

Former Wimbledon champion Michael Stich, Tour de France runner-up Jan Ullrich and Formula one drivers Michael and Ralf Schumacher are just some of the prominent Germans who have escaped the country's high taxes by moving abroad.

Since he retired from tennis in 1999, three-times Wimbledon champion Becker has had a difficult relationship with the German press and the Bavarian city of Munich.

The 35-year-old amassed $25 million in prize money during his career but his achievements have been overshadowed by a costly divorce, tax problems, an admission he fathered a child with a Russian model and a string of failed business ventures.

Last October, Becker received a two-year suspended jail sentence and a 500,000 euro ($574,800) fine after being convicted of tax evasion for claiming residence in Monaco while staying in Munich between 1991 and 1993.

He has also faced demands for unpaid business taxes from the city of Munich. Becker's lawyer said last month he expected to be able to reach a settlement.

Becker was back in a Munich courtroom last week seeking to defend himself in a 1.5 million euro ($1.69 million) lawsuit. Becker faces a claim from the administrator of insolvent Internet portal Sportgate.