London - English Premier League champions Chelsea on Friday completed the signing of Brazil midfielder Ramires from Benfica for a fee thought to be around 17 million pounds (20 million euros).

The 23-year-old has joined the Stamford Bridge side on a four-year contract having received a work permit and passed a medical.

The former Cruzeiro player will miss Saturday's opening Premier League game against West Brom.

"Every player in the world would love to play for Chelsea and it's a great opportunity that was given to me, I will give my best to repay this chance, and I am very happy," Ramires told www.chelseafc.com.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti said: "He is a fantastic player, a fantastic midfielder, he is very young and will be the future of the Brazilian national team, and I hope he will be the future of Chelsea."