It’s now official! Ivorian international Salomon Kalou has signed a 4 year contract with French club Lille. This is according to the official website of the club which announced the deal on Saturday.

the former Chelsea attacker was released by the London club at the end of last month after his contract expired with many clubs including Liverpool reportedly wanting his signature.

However, Kalou reportedly agreed terms with the former French champions last month and has now signed a four year contract.

Speaking about his move the 26 year old said: “The LOSC (Lille) project, in particular the arrival of a new stadium, is ambitious and really pleased me. From what I’ve discovered about the club, it has no reason to envy the big European clubs.”

Kalou also reiterated his aim of moving to France which he reckons is to “have fun and get to know the fans who I reckon are very warm.”

Lille see the Ivorian as a direct replacement for former star player Eden Hazard who moved to Chelsea last month. Kalou managed 60 goals for the Blues during his six year spell in England winning the Champions League, English Premier League as well as FA Cup titles.