Juventus announce Anelka arrival

Juventus have completed the signing of Nicolas Anelka, who has signed a contract until June 2013 with the option for a further season.

The French striker passed a medical on 28 January but Juventus had to wait for international clearance before announcing the deal. "I have a joined a great club with great champions," said the 33-year-old, whose last club was Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua FC. "I'm happy to be here and very proud to be able to wear this shirt.

"I've talked with some French players who played for Juve in the past and they all told me that this is a great club, almost like a family. That's the feeling I had when I first entered the dressing room; the players all offered me a warm welcome and made me feel at home."

Anelka started his career with Paris Saint-Germain FC but made his name at Arsenal FC, winning the English double in 1997/98. The much-travelled forward, who scored 14 goals in 69 games for France, also won the 1999/2000 UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid CF, was part of France's victorious UEFA EURO 2000 squad and claimed league titles with Fenerbahçe SK and Chelsea FC. He moved to Shanghai in January 2012, scoring three goals in 22 appearances.

Juventus will visit Celtic FC in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg on 12 February with the Turin return on 6 March. "The Champions League is very difficult," Anelka said. "When you start you never know how far you can go but a team like Juve must try to go all the way. Juve have the players, the mentality and athletic qualities required to do so. We will give all our strength and energy to bring the trophy home. I'm here to give my contribution."