Sheva grateful to fans

Striker thanks Chelsea supporters as he arrives in Milan

Last updated: 25th August 2008

Andriy Shevchenko new shirt

Shevchenko: Tribute to fans

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Andriy Shevchenko has sent a message of thanks to the Chelsea supporters upon his arrival in Milan.

The Ukrainian striker has agreed a deal to move back to the San Siro after two difficult seasons in England and is set to undergo a medical on Monday.

Shevchenko is looking forward to playing for AC Milan again after enjoying a hugely successful seven-year spell with the club from 1999 to 2006.

But the 31-year-old has also spoken of his appreciation for the Chelsea fans, who supported him even though he only scored nine Premier League goals for the club.

"I'm so very happy to be here," Shevchenko told Milan's official website.

Special

"At this very special moment for me, I really want to send a message to the Chelsea fans who in the past two years have always made me feel their support.

"A heartfelt thank you for that."

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani also expressed his delight at the move but insisted that his return was not solely due to club owner Silvio Berlusconi's close relationship with the player.

"This is a family and we're all happy," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It's not true that only Silvio Berlusconi insisted that Andriy return. I've put my weight behind the cause too and I'm happy that in the end we've succeeded in bringing him home."