Veteran keeper Schwarzer makes surprise move to Chelsea on one-year deal



VIDEO: Scroll down to watch Schwarzer is surprise Chelsea signing

Mark Schwarzer has signed a one-year deal at Chelsea after leaving Fulham over the summer when his contract expired.

The 40-year-old keeper has played for Bradford City, Middlesbrough and most recently Fulham, spanning a period of 17 years.

'It's a phenomenal club,' he said to Chelsea's official club 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.'

Veteran keeper: Mark Schwarzer has signed a one-year deal at Chelsea

Done deal: Schwarzer signing his contract with club Secretary/Director David Barnard

Schwarzer revealed returning Blues boss Mourinho had helped persuade him to join 'one of the best clubs in the country' after speaking to the Portuguese about his future options.

He told Sky Sports News: 'I've spoken to the manager at Chelsea and it was very easy to make the decision that Chelsea was the right club for me.

'The size and ambition of the club and the opportunities at the club ticked all the boxes. It was an amazing opportunity to join a fantastic club.

'It's one of the best clubs in the country, if not one of the best clubs in the world, so it was very easy to make the decision after speaking to the manager.'

The Australian helped his country qualify for the World Cup in Brazil next summer, and although he will be behind Chelsea No 1 Petr Cech, he may still get a chance to prove his quality ahead of the competition.

He has 108 caps for Australia, and his crowning moments in England including winning the League Cup with Middlesbrough in 2003 and playing in the 2006 UEFA Cup and 2010 Europa League finals.

Sharing a joke: Schwarzer meets England duo Frank Lampard and John Terry

Meeting the boss: Jose Mourinho was happy to see his new acquisition

Keeping buddies: Schwarzer and his new teammate Petr Cech