Chelsea sign veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on one-year deal

Chelsea have signed veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on a free transfer from Fulham.

Schwarzer left Fulham at the end of last season after rejecting a new offer and he has fulfilled his wish to remain in the Premier League by signing a one-year deal with Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho had been on the lookout for an experienced back-up to current Blues No. 1 Petr Cech and the signing of Schwarzer will provide the necessary cover.

The deal means Schwarzer could play in the Premier League past his 41st birthday and the Australia international is delighted to secure a move to Stamford Bridge.

“It’s a phenomenal club,” Schwarzer told Chelsea’s official website. “It’s one of the biggest and best clubs in the world, and it’s an honour to sign for Chelsea. I didn’t take much convincing to come here.

“There were other interests but once I knew Chelsea was interested it was very much the case that I wanted to try and make it happen. I’m very fortunate and delighted to be sitting here today.

“There were a lot of things that ticked all the boxes, but most of all Chelsea Football Club is an enormous club and I think a club that can re-establish itself as the best club in the country. It has an unbelievable manager and an unbelievable squad of players and it’s very exciting.”

During his 17 years in England, Schwarzer has played for Bradford, Middlesbrough and Fulham, becoming the first overseas player to make over 500 Premier League appearance.