Post by Em10 on Jun 1, 2006 7:16:26 GMT -1
Chelsea have completed the signing of striker Andriy Shevchenko from AC Milan for a fee of about £30m.
The 29-year-old signed a four-year contract on Wednesday after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.
"I am here for the challenge and the excitement of the Premier League," said the Ukraine captain.
Because the exact fee has not been disclosed, it is not known whether it beats the £30m Manchester United gave Leeds in 2002 for Rio Ferdinand.
It is however a club record fee for Chelsea, eclipsing the £24.5m they paid for Lyon's Michael Essien in 2005.
For him to leave Milan for Chelsea is a big statement about where Chelsea is
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho
Shevchenko, former European Footballer of the Year, added: "I am going from one big club to another and joining a team of champions.
"There is a right moment to join a football club and I think I have arrived here at the perfect time.
"The Champions League has to be a realistic target for next season but it is not just about the Champions League. Chelsea is going for their third Premiership as well and I like the club's mentality of wanting to win every game they play.
"I have followed Mr (Jose) Mourinho's career carefully for the last few years and have been hugely impressed with the way he manages.
