French midfielder Claude Makelele has joined Paris St Germain after being released on a free transfer by Chelsea.
The 35-year-old, who spent five years at Stamford Bridge, will be presented as a PSG player at a news conference on Monday.
“Everyone at Chelsea would like to thank Claude for the service he has given us,” said a club statement.
“Claude has been a key part of our trophy success 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 friend of the club.”
Makelele joined Chelsea from Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2003 and during his time at Stamford Bridge he won two Premier League titles and played 217 times for the club.
Makelele’s last match for the club was their Champions League final defeat by Manchester United in Moscow in May.
Capped 71 times he retired from international football in June after France’s disappointing exit from Euro 2008.
The deal is something of a coup for PSG as they look to bouce back after a poor campaign last term which saw them narrowly avoid relegation.
