Veron: Best yet to come

LONDON: Chelsea's new midfield signing Juan Sebastian Veron insists he will regain the form that helped his Lazio side win the Italian double in 2000.

Veron, who has left premier league champions Manchester United in a 15 million pound (US$24.12 million) deal, believes he can return to the consistent level of form that often deserted him during his two mixed years at Old Trafford.

"What I didn't have was the continuity that perhaps I had at Lazio in the years I was there," he said after being unveiled by Chelsea at a news conference on Thursday.

"Clearly, the change of scene had something to do with it, but I am convinced that I can get back that continuity that I missed at Manchester United.

"Having a coach like (Italian Claudio) Ranieri, who knows me, and who I've played against (as a coach) in Italy, will certainly be easier."

The Argentine international also feels he owes a debt to the former Fiorentina boss, who has spent nearly 60 million pounds since Chelsea agreed a takeover by Russian oil tycoon Roman Abramovich.

"I feel proud, first of all, because they could have gone for anyone and they chose me," Veron said.

"For me, it's a question of pride and also of repaying all the faith that they have placed in me."

Veron played for Sampdoria and Parma, with whom he won the UEFA Cup and Italian Cup in 1999, before helping Lazio win their domestic league and cup double in 2000 under current England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Emotional Cole

Veron was presented alongside fellow midfielder Joe Cole, whose England prospects have clearly been enhanced since leaving relegated West Ham United.

"It was probably the hardest decision of my life to leave...it was very emotional, because I'd been there since I was a baby, really," the 21-year-old said.

"But on the other hand, there are great things going on at Chelsea...I'm going to come here and learn my trade with some of the best players in the world. But I want to play - no player wants to sit on the bench."

Agencies via Xinhua