Chelsea sign Andre Schurrle from Leverkusen

Chelsea have confirmed the £18m signing of Andre Schurrle, 22, from Bayer Leverkusen. The German international is the first signing of Jose Mourinho’s second tenure.

“I saw lots of Chelsea. I wanted to come here so I think I watched every single game.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Mourinho. I got to know him at Michael Ballack’s testimonial a few weeks ago where we talked a little bit.

“He’s a great manager so it’s an absolute honour for me to now be one of his players,” he said.

Schurrle, who can play as a creative wide player or central striker, has signed a five-year deal.

He said: “We have a great team with some very talented young players. Under Mourinho I’m confident we can have a really great season.

“For this club, winning titles is always the main objective and I hope to play a big part.”

The Germany international is also looking forward to linking up with Petr Cech, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.

He said: “I can learn many things from the older players.

“I’ve watched them play since I was a young boy, so it’s an honour for me now to be colleagues of theirs at Chelsea.”