Tuesday 25 June 2013 16:01, UK
Chelsea have completed the signing of Andre Schurrle from Bayer Leverkusen after the Germany forward penned a five-year contract.
Schurrle becomes effectively Chelsea's first signing since Jose Mourinho returned as manager at Stamford Bridge to replace interim boss Rafa Benitez. Speaking earlier this month after the deal had been agreed, Schurrle expressed his determination to shine and his intention to become a regular in the team, unlike German compatriot Marko Marin, who endured a frustrating first season at the club. "I first met Jose Mourinho at Michael Ballack's farewell game in Leipzig last week," Schurrle said in The Sun. "He was in charge of my team, the World Select side. "We met before the game, he shook my hand and told me 'Everything has gone through, and you are my player'. That was a wonderful feeling. "My first impression of him was that he truly has a special personality. He is a cool guy as well. "I spoke about him with my national team-mates Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil, who have played under him for Real Madrid. They both told me he is the best coach they have ever worked with. "I don't fear suffering the same fate as Marko and just being a replacement. I will try to make my way at Chelsea." Leverkusen had agreed to let Schurrle go following the signing of Heung-min Son from Hamburg after the inclusion of Kevin de Bruyne in part exchange had reportedly been blocked.
