Chelsea on Thursday completed the signing of striker Demba Ba from Newcastle United on a three-and-half year contract for an undisclosed fee, presumed to be the $12 million release clause that was in his Newcastle contract. Ba scored 29 goals in 54 appearances for the Magpies.

"It feels good to be here, I'm very happy and very proud,” the 27-year-old said. "It was important for me, and for Newcastle, to get my future sorted and now we can move on. When the club who won the Champions League wants you, the decision is very easy. This club is massive and that's something that helped the decision a lot. It was not a hard one."

Ba gives Fernando Torres some much-needed competition for the lone striker role in Chelsea's attacking line. "He gives us a different option up front," interim Chelsea coach Rafa Benitez said. "We are very happy with this signing. He can pass, he's good in the air, has good movement and can score goals." Ba will wear the number 29.