Ullrich was forced to miss this year's Tour

The German initially said he would contest his sacking, but now wants a fresh start as he seeks to end his career with another Tour de France win.

Ullrich won the Tour in 1997 and has been runner-up five times - three of them behind Lance Armstrong.

The 32-year-old also told Swiss daily Blick: "Not once in my career have I cheated the other riders."

Ullrich said he had been in contact with Armstrong's former Discovery Channel team but that no concrete agreement had been reached.

"I have always said I will finish with a Tour victory," he added.

"Unfortunately, this year I was prevented from doing so. That's why I will try to add another year."

Ullrich was seen as a leading contender for this year's Tour title but was suspended by T-Mobile the day before the race began.

He was dismissed by them on 21 July. Team boss Olaf Ludwig said his star rider had failed to prove his innocence.

Ullrich's name turned up on a list of 56 cyclists who allegedly had contact with Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes.