Antonio Rudiger has spoken of his delight at being offered the chance to join a "huge club" in Chelsea.
Rudiger, 24, has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League champions after leaving Roma in a £34million transfer.
The news will come as welcome relief to Chelsea fans, who have been frustrated in recent days after losing out on long-term target Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United.
And Germany international Rudiger, who takes the No.2 shirt left vacant after Branislav Ivanovic's departure to Zenit St Petersburg in February, is ready to take the next step of his career at Stamford Bridge.
"It’s a great feeling because not every player has the opportunity to join a huge club like this," he told the club's official website.
"I am looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates and I’m very proud to officially become a Chelsea player."
Chelsea's technical director Michael Emenalo added: "We are pleased to be able to bring in a player of proven quality who adds to our defensive options.
"Antonio is still young but is experienced at club and international level and possesses all the requisite attributes to thrive in the Premier League.
"We have been aware of him for some time and we are confident he will fit in well with the squad."
