Blackburn have made their first signing of the summer by bringing in Fulham captain Danny Murphy on a two-year contract.
The 35-year-old returns to the north-west, where he previously played for Liverpool and Crewe, having also spent time at Charlton and Tottenham before his move to Craven Cottage.
"Being able to bring Danny on board is a massive boost for everyone and I couldn't be more delighted," manager Steve Kean, preparing for life after relegation from the Barclays Premier League, told rovers.co.uk.
"His record is there for all to see. He is a model professional, who has a real hunger to keep on playing football and we are thrilled he has decided to commit his future to us.
"This is a pivotal signing for us."
Murphy said he was excited about the challenge ahead for him and his new club.
"I am absolutely delighted to be signing for Blackburn Rovers," he said.
"When meeting Steve Kean I soon realised the passion, enthusiasm and ambition he has for the club and how much he wants the team to bounce straight back up to the Premier League.
"His desire to get me to the club was a huge factor in my decision to join.
"The owners were also very passionate about their desire to move Blackburn forward as a club and create a squad that is able to achieve promotion.
"I'm excited about my new challenge and can't wait to get started.
"I have enjoyed a fantastic five years at Fulham and I'd like to thank the club and the fans for all their support.
"Now, my new challenge is to help Blackburn get promoted and repay the manager's and the owners' faith in me."
Fulham FC statement
Fulham FC can confirm that Danny Murphy will join Blackburn Rovers on a two-year deal following the expiration of his Fulham contract on June 30th.
Murphy made over 200 appearances for the Whites, the majority of which as Captain, and scored 28 goals - including many penalties, owing to his lethal aim from 12 yards.
The central midfielder signed for the Club in the summer of 2007 and made his debut against Wigan Athletic in September when he came on as a late replacement for Simon Davies in a 1-1 draw.
His first goal for Fulham came in the following game when he scored a 75th minute equaliser at the Cottage to secure a valuable point against Manchester City.
Murphy went on to play 35 times for his new Club in the 2007/08 season and was instrumental in helping the Whites retain our Premier League status.
With time running out on the final day of the campaign, Fulham needed a win against Portsmouth to avoid relegation to the Championship. There was less than quarter of an hour remaining when Murphy leapt highest in the area to glance home one of the most important goals of his career as we avoided relegation courtesy of our superior goal difference.
Following Brian McBride's return to America at the end of the campaign, Murphy was awarded the Fulham captaincy and led the Club to three top ten finishes in the last four years.
The season where we failed to finish in the top 10 was arguably our most successful though, when Murphy captained his side to the UEFA Europa League Final in the 2009/10 campaign.
He played 13 times in the competition as we reached only our second ever major Final, scoring a crucial winning goal against Basel at the Cottage in the Group Stages.
Murphy played in every game but one in the following 2010/11 campaign as the Whites finished in eighth position in the Premier League. He then led the Team to an impressive ninth place in our most recent campaign, with goal difference alone keeping us below Liverpool who finished eighth.
Everyone at the Club would like to thank Danny for his invaluable contribution during his five year stay with us, and wish him the very best for the future.