Belgian adventure for ex-Chelsea star

Former Chelsea and Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen has made a surprise move to Belgian side Cercle Brugge, signing until the end of the season.

Sky Sports reports how the 34-year-old Icelandic star - who has been a free agent since leaving AEK Athens during the summer - has decided to join Cercle, currently bottom of the Belgian Pro League.

"This is not a financial decision, but a lifestyle choice," Gudjohnsen told Het Nieuws Laatste.

"Many people think it is strange that I am joining Cercle because the contrast with the clubs I have played for in the past is huge."

Gudjohnsen enjoyed three successful seasons at Stamford Bridge between 2003 and 2006, playing 263 games for Chelsea where he remains the club's fourth-highest overseas appearance-maker.

From there, the likeable forward moved to the Nou Camp for around €15million. After leaving Spain in 2009, Gudjohnsen has also taken in spells at AS Monaco, Tottenham, Stoke City and Fulham, whilst also spending time in the MLS with Seattle Sounders.

He will always be best remembered for his days at Chelsea, though, where Gudjohnsen formed a formidable strike partnership with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. During his time in west London, he also saw the arrival of another Blues legend Didier Drogba.

"When you know where I am coming from, it is not strange," added Gudjohnsen, defending his decision to join Cercle Brugge. "It's less than a year since I suffered a double fracture."