Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o has finally departed from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala after signing for Chelsea in a one-year deal.
The Blues moved to bring in the 32-year-old after appearing to have conceded defeat in the bid to capture Wayne Rooney from Manchester United.
Having failed in two bids for the England international, Chelsea were desperate to bolster their attacking options and moved quickly amid reports that Eto'o was considering a return to Inter Milan.
"I am very happy to be here but also anxious because I want to get playing as soon as possible," Eto'o told Chelsea's official website.
"It wasn't a hard decision. I saw the qualities Chelsea have, and I was very happy with José Mourinho before, so when the opportunity came, I was very happy to take it."
The four-time winner of the African Player of the Year Award has accepted a huge pay cut from €20 million a season down to €8 million to sign for Chelsea.
He added: "I've had a couple of opportunities to come to England before, including the first time José was here, but it didn't work out for one reason or another.
"Since that time, I have had a career where I have been lucky enough to win a lot of trophies in different countries, but one of my last dreams as a professional is to come and play in England and see if I can have the same success as in my previous clubs.
"I don't see it as a final challenge, but to have a good time, enjoy my football, and have success with this team."
Eto'o is the second player to arrive at Stamford Bridge from Anzhi following the acquisition of Willian on Wednesday.
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| Samuel Eto'o has penned a one-year deal at Chelsea following his transfer from Anzhi Photo: Chelsea FC |
The Blues moved to bring in the 32-year-old after appearing to have conceded defeat in the bid to capture Wayne Rooney from Manchester United.
Having failed in two bids for the England international, Chelsea were desperate to bolster their attacking options and moved quickly amid reports that Eto'o was considering a return to Inter Milan.
"I am very happy to be here but also anxious because I want to get playing as soon as possible," Eto'o told Chelsea's official website.
"It wasn't a hard decision. I saw the qualities Chelsea have, and I was very happy with José Mourinho before, so when the opportunity came, I was very happy to take it."
The four-time winner of the African Player of the Year Award has accepted a huge pay cut from €20 million a season down to €8 million to sign for Chelsea.
He added: "I've had a couple of opportunities to come to England before, including the first time José was here, but it didn't work out for one reason or another.
"Since that time, I have had a career where I have been lucky enough to win a lot of trophies in different countries, but one of my last dreams as a professional is to come and play in England and see if I can have the same success as in my previous clubs.
"I don't see it as a final challenge, but to have a good time, enjoy my football, and have success with this team."
Eto'o is the second player to arrive at Stamford Bridge from Anzhi following the acquisition of Willian on Wednesday.
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- Luis Suárez returns to Liverpool first-team after apologising to teammates
- José Mourinho quashes rumours of David Luiz exit
- Samuel Eto'o wants to play under José Mourinho again
- Samuel Eto'o in talks with Inter after Chelsea turned him down
- Mourinho: Chelsea landed Shevchenko after failed in Eto'o bid
