Fulham have confirmed that Dimitar Berbatov has completed a switch from Manchester United, with the striker penning a two-year contract.
The Bulgarian forward appeared to be on his way to Italy at one stage, with Fiorentina and Juventus known to be keen on acquiring his services.
It is, however, Fulham who have struck a deal to keep the experienced frontman in the Premier League.
Berbatov has spent the last six years in England, having linked up with Tottenham in 2006.
A big-money move to Manchester United followed two years later and the 31-year-old secured an enviable collection of winners' medals during his time at Old Trafford.
He was, however, unable to stop himself slipping slowly down the Red Devils' attacking pecking order, with the arrival of Robin van Persie this summer proving to be the final nail in his coffin.
Eager to find regular first-team football elsewhere, Berbatov spent much of the transfer window searching for a new club.
Fulham have now offered him a route out of Old Trafford and an opportunity to reproduce the kind of form which saw him land the Premier League's Golden Boot in 2010/11.
Fulham FC statement
Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee which will see the player remain at the Club until at least the summer of 2014.
The 31-year-old forward moved from Bayer Leverkusen in 2006 when he signed for Tottenham Hotspur, managed at the time by Martin Jol. In two seasons at White Hart Lane he made 102 appearances and scored 46 goals in all competitions.
In 2008, he signed a four-year deal at Manchester United for a reported £30m. He scored 56 goals in 149 appearances and lifted two Premier League titles whilst at Old Trafford. He completed the 2010/11 campaign as top Premier League goalscorer to claim the Golden Boot jointly with Carlos Tevez.
Speaking from Fulham's Motspur Park Training Ground, Berbatov said: "I'm delighted to have signed for Fulham and I look forward to playing under Martin Jol once again. As soon as I was aware of Fulham's interest my decision to join was an easy one to make. I'm impressed with the set up here and the people have made me feel welcome. There is a close and personal feel around the Club and I can't wait to get started."
Jol added: "Dimitar is a player I've always admired. He did well for me at Spurs and I'm sure that he will do well here at Fulham. He's a player of great quality and technical ability who will give me the attacking option I've been looking for. When he's not scoring goals, his ingenuity often leads chances being created for his teammates and I'm delighted that we've been able to convince him to come to us, as there was a lot of attention from other clubs."
Berbatov, who has been handed squad number nine at Craven Cottage, started out at Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia, joining the Armymen aged 17. In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Ivan, who also played for the club.
His talent quickly caught the attention of clubs on the continent, with Bayer Leverkusen making their move in January 2001. He was particularly impressive in the UEFA Champions League, helping the German club to knock Manchester United out of the Semi-Final of the competition in April 2002. His Leverkusen side would lose 2-1 against Real Madrid in the Final though.
Berbatov made the move to England in July 2006 when he signed for Tottenham for a reported £10.9m. He scored 23 goals in his opening season, and matched that tally again during the 2007/08 campaign. He joined Manchester United on transfer deadline day in August 2008, having long been courted by Sir Alex Ferguson.
The striker forged a formidable partnership with Wayne Rooney in his first season at Old Trafford, scoring 14 goals and making countless assists as United won the Barclays Premier League title.
During the 2010/11 campaign the Bulgarian netted 20 league to help United to a second title in his time at the club. He also won the League Cup (2010) and FIFA Club World Cup (2008) during his four years at Old Trafford.
Berbatov retired from international football in May 2010 after a record 48 goals in 78 games for Bulgaria.
He was named Bulgarian Footballer of the Year seven times: in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 and in 2010.