Birmingham sign Cissé from PSG

Birmingham City FC have completed the signing of Senegalese FIFA World Cup midfield player Aliou Cissé for around €2.3m from Paris Saint-Germain FC.

Signing finalised after talks
The confirmation came after a final round of talks between Cissé, his agent and Birmingham manager Steve Bruce. The player had already verbally agreed a four-year contract with the club, who were promoted from the English first division to the FA Premiership last season.

Key member of Senegal squad
Cissé, who can also play in defence, had been close to signing for West Ham United FC last season before the move broke down. He was a key figure in helping Senegal reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup via their shock win against holders France and the 'golden goal' triumph against Sweden in the second round.

World Cup exertions
But it will be another week before Cissé joins up full-time with his new team-mates as Bruce is to give him an extra week off to recover from his World Cup exertions.

'Aggressive player'
"I am looking forward to playing in England and I know Steve Bruce from his time at Manchester United [FC] where he was a very good aggressive player, a very good header of the ball," Cissé said.

'Aim high'
"Birmingham are new to the Premiership and I am looking forward to the challenge. I adore the Premiership and I adore English football. You should aim high as a player and for me playing in the World Cup and now the Premiership is my way of doing that. To play at this level will mean so much to me."