Middlesbrough have made Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink their third major signing of the week after the Dutch striker signed a two-year deal.
Hasselbaink, 32, agreed personal terms after undergoing a medical on Thursday, and joins Mark Viduka and Michael Reiziger in moving to The Riverside.
"I'm very excited, very pleased to get this opportunity," said Hasselbaink.
"I heard about Middlesbrough's interest a few weeks ago and straight away I was interested. I can't wait to start."
Boro stepped in with a late offer to beat Fulham to the signature of Hasselbaink, who arrives on a free after being released from his contract at Chelsea.
Hasselbaink will link up with Viduka, who arrived from Leeds on Thursday, and fellow Dutchman Reiziger, signed from Barcelona.
And the striker targeted a Champions League place after moving to the Riverside.
 |
It is time for me to go and I hope Chelsea wish me the best as well
|
"I think as a squad Middlesbrough is going to upset some people this season. It's exciting times for the club, they are going forward," he said.
"They played great football last season, I think it's definitely a place you want to come and watch football.
"The aim is to end this season in a Uefa spot, as high as possible and perhaps in the Champions League."
Hasselbaink was released from Chelsea after having the final year of his contract paid up.
The former Leeds and Atletico Madrid star spent four years at Stamford Bridge, but had no regrets about leaving the club for a move north.
"Chelsea is a very special club for me," he added. "I have many friends there, I left on good terms and wish them the best, but it is time for me to go and I hope they wish me the best as well.
"I hope they do well - just not when they play against Middlesbrough."
Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb was delighted to beat off competition from Fulham, Celtic and Rangers amongst others for a player who cost Chelsea £15m four years ago.
"It's good business," he said. "It's Jimmy the player we want, the fee and the salary are secondary.
"I'm sure he'll be a big asset to the football club. We have a lot of quality here already and expect Jimmy and the other two players to be the icing on the cake.
"We are absolutely delighted that all three players want to win things and have come to Middlesbrough to learn, and if they achieve their ambitions we will be the benefactor."
Lamb said Hasselbaink would not be their last signing of the summer, although they have now ended their interest in Patrick Kluivert.
He also hopes to conclude a deal next week to make Dutch winger Boudewijn Zenden's temporary stay a permanent one.
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
