MILAN, Italy (Ticker) - Internazionale's summer of rebuilding gathered pace on Monday with the free-transfer signing of Hernan Crespo from Chelsea.
The Argentina international has penned a two-year contract with the new Italian champions, although the Blues have the option of taking the striker back after one season.
The 31-year-old follows fellow summer recruits Patrick Vieira, Fabio Grosso, Olivier Dacourt, Maicon and Maxwell in signing for the Nerazzurri, who were awarded last year's Serie A title after Juventus and AC Milan were punished for their involvement in the country's match-fixing scandal.
Crespo, who spent a year at Inter in the 2002-03 season before moving to Chelsea for 16.8 million British pounds ($31.91 million), is set to partner Brazil striker Adriano up front at his new club.
"Hernan Crespo is an Inter player," read a statement on Inter's website. "The striker has signed a two-year contract until June 30, 2008.
"He joins on a two-year free transfer from Chelsea, who have the right to take the player back after one season."
Crespo never has found it easy to settle in England - spending a year on loan with AC Milan in 2004-05 and helping them reach the final of the Champions League.
He scored twice in their final defeat against Liverpool, and despite a successful season back at Chelsea last term, the Argentine never has made any secret of his desire to return to Italy.
The 31-year-old recently spoke of his desire to return to Serie A.
"I've talked to (Blues coach Jose) Mourinho and things are clear," he told the newspaper Clarin. "We'll have to wait if an offer appears and if it interests Chelsea or not.
"They (Chelsea) love me and I love them a lot. They have been treating me very well, but I'd prefer to go to Italy because I feel more comfortable socially. They understood my situation."
Crespo becomes the third player to leave Stamford Bridge since Chelsea retained the title, following Damien Duff and Asier del Horno out of the exit door - to Newcastle and Valencia, respectively.
The Argentina international has penned a two-year contract with the new Italian champions, although the Blues have the option of taking the striker back after one season.
The 31-year-old follows fellow summer recruits Patrick Vieira, Fabio Grosso, Olivier Dacourt, Maicon and Maxwell in signing for the Nerazzurri, who were awarded last year's Serie A title after Juventus and AC Milan were punished for their involvement in the country's match-fixing scandal.
Crespo, who spent a year at Inter in the 2002-03 season before moving to Chelsea for 16.8 million British pounds ($31.91 million), is set to partner Brazil striker Adriano up front at his new club.
"Hernan Crespo is an Inter player," read a statement on Inter's website. "The striker has signed a two-year contract until June 30, 2008.
"He joins on a two-year free transfer from Chelsea, who have the right to take the player back after one season."
Crespo never has found it easy to settle in England - spending a year on loan with AC Milan in 2004-05 and helping them reach the final of the Champions League.
He scored twice in their final defeat against Liverpool, and despite a successful season back at Chelsea last term, the Argentine never has made any secret of his desire to return to Italy.
The 31-year-old recently spoke of his desire to return to Serie A.
"I've talked to (Blues coach Jose) Mourinho and things are clear," he told the newspaper Clarin. "We'll have to wait if an offer appears and if it interests Chelsea or not.
"They (Chelsea) love me and I love them a lot. They have been treating me very well, but I'd prefer to go to Italy because I feel more comfortable socially. They understood my situation."
Crespo becomes the third player to leave Stamford Bridge since Chelsea retained the title, following Damien Duff and Asier del Horno out of the exit door - to Newcastle and Valencia, respectively.
