It Is An Honour - Anelka

The French forward spoke to Chelsea's official website today following the move, which was confirmed yesterday.

There had been much speculation since the start of this year's campaign on the former Real Madrid man's future, as his exceptional form was deemed beyond that worthy of his club Bolton, who have been battling relegation all season.

Manchester United, Chelsea and even Manchester City were the three clubs linked with the travelled striker, but the Blues proved to have the most persistence as the move was finalised this week.

"Chelsea are a big club," stated Anelka. "I have proved that I can score goals at the top level and I can do the same for Chelsea.

"I want to tell the Chelsea fans that I see this as a great opportunity and an honour to play for Chelsea and I will not disappoint them."

Anelka, perhaps surprisingly, has stated that he wishes to retire with the London outfit. Notorious as a striker who could never settle down, he has seemingly turned a new leaf since converting to Islam, having appeared a less problematic player than in previous years, where he had earned the nickname le sulk.

Though he has changed clubs yet again - his eighth during his 12 year career - he could be forgiven for leaving Lancashire behind for a shot at Champions League football.

"Chelsea is the team I really wanted to join and I hope this will be the last club that I play for," he said.

"I am delighted everything has been sorted out. This was a fantastic opportunity that I couldn't turn down.

"I am really looking forward to working with Avram and Chelsea's style of football really suits my game.

"I have been really impressed by what he and the team has done this season in what were very difficult circumstances.

"Everyone can see that they have had great results and are challenging for all the major trophies.

"The quality of the players they have is fantastic and the competition for places excites me."

Bilal Abdul-Salam, as he is now formally known, scored an impressive ten league goals for Bolton this season.