Wright-Phillips completes move to Stamford Bridge

Shaun Wright-Phillips completed his move from Manchester City to Chelsea yesterday, signing a five-year contract with the English champions.

The 23-year-old England winger passed a medical and was expected to fly out with the rest of Jose Mourinho's squad for Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States yesterday.

"We're delighted that Shaun has joined us," Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said on his club's website.

"He'll be a fantastic asset to the team and squad. This carries on the Chelsea policy of investing in young, top English talent."

No financial details of the deal were given although media reports said Chelsea paid City £21 million ($36.7 million).

Wright-Phillips said he was excited by the challenge of winning a place in Chelsea's multi-talented team, assembled thanks to the thick cheque book of billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea already have two outstanding wingers in Dutchman Arjen Robben and Irishman Damien Duff, as well as Wright-Phillips's fellow England international Joe Cole, a midfielder who can also play down the flanks.

"That's fine by me," Wright-Phillips said on the Chelsea website.

"I never expected to walk into any team to be honest with you.

"Competition is just healthy really and will help make me a better player. I just want to try and get some medals and be a regular part of the team."

City turned down a 20-million pound bid from Chelsea on Friday but said on Sunday they had agreed a fee after Wright-Phillips asked permission to speak to the London club.

Wright-Phillips has been capped four times by England. He played over 150 league games for City since making his debut in the 1999-2000 season.

The right-sided player, who started as a junior at Nottingham Forest, was City's joint top scorer last season with 11 goals. He had also attracted interest from Arsenal, for whom his famous stepfather Ian Wright played as a striker.

Wright-Phillips will wear the number 24 shirt at Chelsea, the date his son was born.

Mourinho said he believed Wright-Phillips is "one of the best players in England".

"He is young. He has space for his development and he has the qualities that everyone is looking for in a modern footballer," Mourinho said.

"He is quick, he is intelligent, he is creative, he can break by himself and shape the balance of the team."