Chelsea confirm permanent transfer of Marko Marin to Olympiacos

Chelsea have confirmed Marko Marin's transfer to Greek side Olympiacos on a permanent transfer. The midfielder, who joined the Blues in 2012 made just 16 appearances in his four-year spell which included loan spells with Sevilla, Fiorentina, Anderlecht and Trabzonspor.

"Marko Marin has today completed a permanent transfer to Greek side Olympiacos," a statement read on the Blues' official site.

The Germany international made his last Chelsea appearance during the 2012/13 campaign during which he helped them win the Europa League. But he has since failed to break into the first-team and spent most of the time on loan.

The 27-year-old will be hoping to kickstart his career, which has stalled following his failed move to Chelsea, and admitted that he was delighted at signing with the Greek champions. He is also targeting a third Europa League title with Olympiacos along with repeating their success in the domestic league.

"I am very happy to join Olympiacos and proud to wear this shirt. I want to help the team to win the league and also try and go as far as possible in the Europa League," Marin told Olympiacos TV.

"I know all about the club and the tradition and I am ready to show the club what they expect [of me]," he added.

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte praised young midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek after Chelsea's 3-2 win over Bristol Rovers in the second round of the EFL Cup. The Italian manager believes the youth team star has the skill set to operate as a striker rather than fulfil his primary role as a midfielder.

"I liked it because he played a good game with a good intensity. He did what I wanted. In defensive situations he became a midfielder, when we were attacking he became a forward," Conte said, as quoted on Chelsea's official site.

"He has the right characteristics to play in this role [as a striker]. He is physically very strong, he is very good playing with his back to goal, he also has good technique, he sees the goal very well, and he has a good shot. He can play in this role."