French star Makelele leaves Chelsea to sign for Paris St Germain

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PSG have announced the French midfielder will join them after reaching agreement on terms of the deal with the player and Chelsea.

Claude Makelele was officially unveiled as a Paris St Germain player on Monday afternoon

Makelele was a £16.8million signing by Chelsea from Real Madrid in 2003. The 35-year-old won two league titles during his spell at Stamford Bridge, and helped the club reach last season's Champions League final.

Makelele retired from international football after France's disappointing showing at Euro 2008.

A brief statement on the PSG website, www.psg.fr, read: 'Charles Villeneuve, president of Paris St Germain, Paul Le Guen, coach of the first team, and Alain Roche, head scout, will have a press conference today.

Homeward bound: Claude Makelele, pictured left battling for the ball with Ryan Babel of Liverpool, is to return to France

'On this occasion they will present to the journalists the French international midfielder Claude Makelele, who will join Paris St Germain's first team for the 2008/09 season.'

Makelele was brought to Chelsea from Real Madrid by former manager Claudio Ranieri, shortly after Roman Abramovich took over as the club's new owner.

The former Nantes, Marseille and Celta Vigo player added defensive strength to
Chelsea's midfield and linked up well with Frank Lampard in the centre.

He departs at a time Chelsea have an abundance of midfield options, with Deco,
Lampard, Michael Essien, Michael Ballack, Joe Cole, Shaun Wright-Phillips and
Mikel Jon Obi set to compete for selection next season.

A statement on Chelsea's website, www.chelseafc.com, read: 'Everyone at Chelsea would like to take this opportunity to thank Claude for the five years of service he has given to the club.

'He has been a key part of our trophy success during that time and we wish him well for the future.

'He will always be welcomed back to Stamford Bridge in the future either as a player or as a friend of the club.'