Juan Cuadrado to Chelsea: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Juan Cuadrado has completed his much-anticipated move to Chelsea on a four-and-a-half-year contract, as reported by the club's official website.     

Cuadrado expressed his excitement for the move in a statement.   

"I am very happy and thankful for this opportunity I've been given," he said. "This is a great club and honestly it is like a dream to join the Chelsea family and to know that the manager believes in me. I'm happy."

Chelsea also shared an interview with their new signing:

Oscar welcomed Cuadrado to the club, via Twitter:

The Fiorentina star exits Serie A after plenty of speculation throughout the last two transfer windows, which was fuelled by his terrific performances at the World Cup.

Cuadrado's terrifying pace and technical skill impressed many onlookers during Colombia's run through last summer's Brazilian tournament, but regular viewers know Chelsea have captured a player who offers an extremely versatile game.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry spoke about Cuadrado's ability prior to the confirmation of the move, via Jack Wilson of the Daily Star.

"

Cuadrado is a special player. He's a proper winger.

You don't see it anymore, but he gets down the lines and puts in crosses for the striker.

I'm guessing they're bringing him to Chelsea to put him in the first team. He can break in, he's a special talent.

"

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

The hard-working winger, who traditionally stars on the right side, offers manager Jose Mourinho some interesting tactical options across the pitch. He is effective on either wing, through the middle or even as a full-back. Cuadrado possesses the natural application to adapt and has the potential to become an extremely valuable member of Chelsea's squad.

He will look to build upon last season's Serie A total of 11 goals and five assists, per WhoScored.com, no matter where he is brought into the team. He netted once and laid on four goals for his team-mates during the 2014 World Cup, where his boundless nature helped inspire Colombia to some of the tournament's most free-flowing football.

Cuadrado scored five and assisted four in 22 displays before leaving the Viola this season, according to WhoScored. He has fulfilled a range of roles this term, something he can expect to get used to at Stamford Bridge.

Stevan Jovetic, current Manchester City striker and Cuadrado's former teammate in Italy, previously sung his praises by calling him "a very good player" and "a good guy," per Nadia Carminati of Sky Sports.

Fabio Muzzi/Associated Press

He has the right attitude to be a major success and certainly offers a plethora of strategical possibilities, a rarity for a winger whose natural instinct is to attack. It will be interesting to see how Mourinho slots Cuadrado into his team, particularly as Willian—the most likely player to make way—continues to work hard for Chelsea's cause.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

The Blues currently lead the Premier League and have secured passage to the Capital One Cup final. Mourinho's men will also be looking to make run to the Champions League showpiece, something Cuadrado's luxury-utility presence could aid.