Premier League champions Chelsea have signed Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun on a three-year deal.

The Israeli, 30, who had a contract tying him to Anfield until 2013, has been signed after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed transfer fee.

Benayoun told Chelsea's website: "I am very excited to come to a club like Chelsea, it is a big club and I think it is a dream for every player."

Benayoun joined from West Ham in 2007 and scored 29 goals in 134 games.

The Israeli's arrival follows the departure from Stamford Bridge of midfielders Michael Ballack and Joe Cole.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said: "We are happy to have this new player. Yossi has a lot of quality in midfield and can play in lots of positions. I like his behaviour on the pitch and he will do a great job for us next season."

A Liverpool spokesman said: "Yossi's departure was agreed between the player and Rafael Benitez a number of weeks ago. Everybody at Liverpool FC wishes him well for the future."

Benayoun came to England in 2005 when he joined West Ham from Spanish club Racing Santander.