Raul Meireles declared Fenerbahce to be as big a club as Chelsea and Liverpool after completing his move to the Turkish giants.
Meireles last night became the latest summer departure from Stamford Bridge, with the Portugal midfielder signing a four-year deal to ply his trade in Istanbul.
And the former Liverpool star immediately insisted he had not taken a step down in his career.
"I can't wait to get started - Fenerbahce is as big a club as Chelsea, Liverpool and Porto," Meireles told FB TV, revealing former Anfield team-mate Dirk Kuyt had played a part in the pair being reunited in Turkey.
"I had a great season playing at Liverpool with Kuyt. He told me about Fenerbahce and encouraged me to make the move. I have friends playing in Turkey. Kuyt has told be on several occasions that Istanbul is a beautiful city, I'm very excited about the prospect of playing here."
The 29-year-old, who reportedly cost £8million just a year after joining Chelsea for £12million, added: "Fenerbahce are a big club, everybody knows what kind of history the club has.
"I'm a team player, I love to win but what's more important is that the team wins.
"I can promise the fans that I will always give it my all and be a professional. For me, it's all about work, work, work. My goal is to win trophies here, I will do everything I can to try and make it happen."
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