Chelsea fatten Pizarro's pay packet to allow Werder loan deal to go through

Claudio Pizarro expressed his gratitude to Chelsea chiefs today after they stepped in with financial aid to prevent a loan move to Werder Bremen falling through.

The out-of-favour Peru striker was desperate to escape his Stamford Bridge misery but feared he would be denied a fresh start with one of his old clubs after they balked at matching his current £55,000-a-week pay packet.

A one-year loan deal was finally rubber-stamped, though, after Chelsea agreed to carry on paying around £20,000 of his weekly wage.

Pizarro: salvaged his loan deal to Werder Bremen

Pizarro, who has struggled to force his way into Chelsea's starting line-up in an ill-fated stay, sees it as an ideal chance to revive his flagging fortunes after being a prolific goalscorer for Bremen from 1999 to 2001.

'They were great times, and I hope for more of the same,' he said. 'I had two fabulous seasons with Bremen, and, if anything, the next one could be even better.

'Bremen have developed into one of the best sides in Europe, and I feel my international experience can help them make a real impact.

'I know Chelsea have been very helpful in making this happen for me. It would not have been possible otherwise, and I would like to thank them for that.'

Bremen will assess Pizarro's form before deciding whether to try and make the move permanent.

'For now, we are just very happy to have him here, because there is no doubt he can improve us,' said sporting director Klaus Allofs.