Yossi Benayoun believes he's at the perfect age to join Chelsea, although he expects to be part of a rotation system initially.
The 30-year-old, who signed from Liverpool this summer, knows the competition he'll face to break into the first team but is looking forward to the challenge.
'It's the perfect age to be at a big club,' explained the Israeli international. 'Let's not forget that for the last three years I have been at a big club.
'I have left a big club, I have come to a big club, so for me it is the same and I believe I can prove myself here.'
Benayoun, who captains his national side, is certainly experienced in the workings of the Barclays Premier League, having worn the colours of West Ham before heading north to Liverpool.
During his career he's played in several roles, which is why he's ready to work for a place no matter what position he may end up.
'I will play in any system,' explained our new number 10. 'I will try to do my best and be involved in the team.
'If I am not then I will try harder and prove myself, because there are enough big players here to play any system. I just want to be on the pitch, anywhere.
'I am intelligent enough to understand this is a big club and you can sit on the bench. There is a big squad with a lot of players but I have a lot of patience.
'At Liverpool I was sat on the bench a lot but when I had the chance I proved myself and deserved to play. This is my ambition here also.'
It's been over eight years since Benayoun last won a trophy, following consecutive league titles with Maccabi Haifa back in Israel under the guidance of Avram Grant.
It may seem like a long time without silverware, but the midfielder's proud of his achievements.
'I am happy with my career, to play for Liverpool for three years and come to Chelsea, not many players can say this and I am proud.
'I hadn't played for big clubs until I went to Liverpool, although I almost won the FA Cup with West Ham,' he added before revealing the relationship he still has with the former Chelsea manager, a man who offered some invaluable advice before Benayoun joined the Blues.
'Avram gave me a few tips,' he said. 'He told me to come with confidence and patience and believe I am good enough, so I just need to work hard and prove it.'
The 30-year-old, who signed from Liverpool this summer, knows the competition he'll face to break into the first team but is looking forward to the challenge.
'It's the perfect age to be at a big club,' explained the Israeli international. 'Let's not forget that for the last three years I have been at a big club.
'I have left a big club, I have come to a big club, so for me it is the same and I believe I can prove myself here.'
Benayoun, who captains his national side, is certainly experienced in the workings of the Barclays Premier League, having worn the colours of West Ham before heading north to Liverpool.
During his career he's played in several roles, which is why he's ready to work for a place no matter what position he may end up.
'I will play in any system,' explained our new number 10. 'I will try to do my best and be involved in the team.
'If I am not then I will try harder and prove myself, because there are enough big players here to play any system. I just want to be on the pitch, anywhere.
'I am intelligent enough to understand this is a big club and you can sit on the bench. There is a big squad with a lot of players but I have a lot of patience.
'At Liverpool I was sat on the bench a lot but when I had the chance I proved myself and deserved to play. This is my ambition here also.'
It's been over eight years since Benayoun last won a trophy, following consecutive league titles with Maccabi Haifa back in Israel under the guidance of Avram Grant.
It may seem like a long time without silverware, but the midfielder's proud of his achievements.
'I am happy with my career, to play for Liverpool for three years and come to Chelsea, not many players can say this and I am proud.
'I hadn't played for big clubs until I went to Liverpool, although I almost won the FA Cup with West Ham,' he added before revealing the relationship he still has with the former Chelsea manager, a man who offered some invaluable advice before Benayoun joined the Blues.
'Avram gave me a few tips,' he said. 'He told me to come with confidence and patience and believe I am good enough, so I just need to work hard and prove it.'
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