Claude Makalele - ap

paris (ap)

French midfielder Claude Makelele is leaving Chelsea for Paris-Saint Germain (PSG).

The Paris club's president, Charles Villeneuve, told a news conference yesterday that Makelele has signed for two years and could join the coaching staff after his contract expires.

Makelele, 35, said Chelsea let him go for free.

''It took a while, but my wish to rejoin Paris Saint-Germain was so strong that Chelsea left me the chance to end my career in France near my family,'' he said at Parc des Princes stadium. ''I am coming not as a messiah but as a messenger, so that they can learn what I have learned,'' the Kinshasa native said.

Makelele ended his international career after France's 2-0 loss to Italy at the European Championship last month.

The defensive midfielder, who played 71 games for Les Bleus, made his debut for France in a friendly against Norway in 1995 and played at Euro 2004 and the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

He has also played with Real Madrid, Celeta Vigo, Brest, Nantes and Marseille.

Makelele owns a nightclub in Paris and is believed to be preparing to commit to a long-term coaching role at the club once he stops playing.

PSG needed to make a big move in the transfer market after struggling in the previous two seasons. Having replaced Alain Cayzac as president, Villeneuve promised fans some big names would join.

PSG has signed former France winger Ludovic Giuly, Le Havre striker Guillaume Hoarau - the top scorer in the second division last season - and Le Mans midfielder Stephane Sessegnon. That should give PSG a more competitive edge in midfield and firepower in attack now that top scorer Pauleta has left.

PSG last won the French league in 1994 and the only previous title was in 1985.

Coach Paul Le Guen turned down the chance to sign Makelele in January, but new president Villeneuve has insisted that Makelele is crucial to help developing the club's young talents, such as 21-year-old midfielder Clement Chantome, widely tipped as a future French international.

Le Guen said yesterday he is still hoping to bring in an experienced new striker and a defender.