Chelsea swoop for Schwarzer

Chelsea have signed goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on a free transfer.

The Australia international has agreed a one-year deal with the UEFA Europa League holders.

New manager Jose Mourinho has been steadily strengthening his squad since his return to Stamford Bridge, with Andre Schuerrle and Marco van Ginkel having already signed for the London club from Bayer Leverkusen and Vitesse respectively.

Schwarzer will now look to dislodge first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech and is delighted to have become part of Mourinho’s squad for the 2013-14 campaign.

“It’s a phenomenal club. It’s one of the biggest and best clubs in the world, and it’s an honour to sign for Chelsea,” he told the club’s official website.

“I didn’t take much convincing to come here.”

Schwarzer was a free agent after being released by Fulham at the end of last season, having spent five years at Craven Cottage.

The former Middlesbrough goalkeeper has made over 100 appearances for his country and represented them at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups.

Next season could also end with the 40-year-old completing a hat-trick of appearances at the tournament after he helped Australia secure their place at the 2014 finals in Brazil.