Chelsea sign Nemanja Matic

Chelsea have completed the signing of former midfielder Nemanja Matic from Portuguese side Benfica.

The 25-year-old returns to Stamford Bridge for a second spell after previously joining the Premier League side from MSK Kosice in 2009.

He made just three substitute appearances in his first season, however, eventually departing for Benfica in the deal that brought David Luiz to Stamford Bridge in January 2011.

His performances since leaving for Portugal have not gone unnoticed and Chelsea have moved to re-sign the Serbian on a five-and-a-half-year contract.

"I am very happy for this opportunity to be back at this club. I feel very good because of that and just want to say I will give my best to help the team and make the Chelsea fans happy," he told reporters at a press conference.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho added: "I am very pleased that Nemanja is returning to Chelsea. He has grown as a player in Portugal and has become a fantastic all-round midfielder. I am sure he will become a very important member of the squad and help us to achieve our ambitions."

The transfer figure is believed to be in the region of £21m.