Football: Chelsea sign Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina to replace Andre Schuerrle

Colombia's Juan Cuadrado jumps to reach the ball during their international friendly soccer match against Slovenia in Ljubljana in November last year. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Colombia's Juan Cuadrado jumps to reach the ball during their international friendly soccer match against Slovenia in Ljubljana in November last year. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON (REUTERS) - Premier League leaders Chelsea signed Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina on a four-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee on Monday.

British media reports put the fee at around 35 million euros (S$53.6).

"I am very happy and thankful for this opportunity I've been given," the 26-year-old told Chelsea's website (www.chelseafc.com) "This is a great club and honestly it is like a dream to join the Chelsea family and to know that the manager believes in me. I'm happy."

The deal for Cuadrado was finalised shortly after Chelsea sold Germany winger Andre Schuerrle to Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg.

Cuadrado, who can play on either flank or behind a striker, signed for Fiorentina from Udinese in 2012 and became a regular for club and country.

He has 37 international caps and was a prominent player in Colombia's 2014 World Cup campaign.

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