The 26-year-old signed from Bolton for 7 million pounds on Monday and told Chelsea TV that it was the prospect of stepping up to another level that had been the great attraction of joining the Blues.

“That’s the whole reason you want to move,” said Cahill, whose move was in the balance at one point over his wage demands and he is believed to have eventually settled for £80,000-per-week, £20,000 less than he hoped for.

“You want to play at the top level and the Champions League (Chelsea play Napoli in the Last 16) is the top level.

“I’ve only played in Europe when I first moved to Bolton; (Atletico) Madrid away, Sporting Lisbon, teams like that.

“It’ll be a new experience for myself, and I’m looking forward to pitting my wits against the top players in the world.” 

Cahill’s arrival — where he was part of the worst defence in the  Premier League this season — has been warmly welcomed by club captain and prospective defensive partner John Terry.

“He’s a great addition and he hasn’t played Champions League football, which is an added bonus for us,” said Terry.

“He’s a great defender; he reads the game well, he’s got a bit of pace and he’s good in the air — he scores important goals, he has done for Bolton.

“I’m looking forward to playing alongside him, it’s really good to have him on board so early.”