Meireles: Joined Fenerbahce

Meireles became the latest summer departure from Stamford Bridge on Monday, with the Portugal midfielder signing a four-year deal to ply his trade in Istanbul.

And the former Liverpool star immediately insisted he had not taken a step down in his career.

"I can't wait to get started - Fenerbahce is as big a club as Chelsea, Liverpool and Porto," Meireles told FB TV, revealing former Anfield team-mate Dirk Kuyt had played a part in the pair being reunited in Turkey.

"I had a great season playing at Liverpool with Kuyt. He told me about Fenerbahce and encouraged me to make the move.

"I have friends playing in Turkey. Kuyt has told be on several occasions that Istanbul is a beautiful city, I'm very excited about the prospect of playing here."

The 29-year-old, who reportedly cost £8million just a year after joining Chelsea for £12million, added: "Fenerbahce are a big club, everybody knows what kind of history the club has.

"I'm a team player, I love to win but what's more important is that the team wins.

"I can promise the fans that I will always give it my all and be a professional.

"For me, it's all about work, work, work. My goal is to win trophies here, I will do everything I can to try and make it happen."