The 35-year-old, who had a year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, revealed the Londoners allowed him to leave the club to pursue his dream of joining his wife and son, who live in Paris.

“I’m very happy, everything went well,” said Makelele.

“It took some time but I wanted this so much that Chelsea gave me the possibility of finishing my career in my own country.

“It’s a very important challenge for me but also a very difficult one. I felt that my cycle at Chelsea was coming to an end.

“I’m coming to bring a little more experience. I’m not coming like a Messiah but to teach what I also learned when young.”

The move to Paris will likely be Makelele’s last, ending a career that has included stints in Spain and England.

However, the midfielder is not ready to end his playing days in the near future.

“People always tell me I’m 35. That doesn’t bother me, I don’t notice my age,” he continued.

“I still have the same energy on the pitch. If I can play until I’m 45 like that, I will.

“I have done a tour of the best leagues and now I’m back where it all began. It will be a good way to finish.”

Makelele was a £16.8million signing by Chelsea from Real Madrid in 2003. The 35-year-old won two league titles during his spell at Stamford Bridge, and helped the club reach last season’s Champions League final.

He was taken to London from Real Madrid by former manager Claudio Ranieri, shortly after Roman Abramovich took over as the club’s new owner.

The former Nantes, Marseille and Celta Vigo player added defensive strength to Chelsea’s midfield and linked up well with Frank Lampard in the centre.

A statement on Chelsea’s website, www.chelseafc.com, read: “Everyone at Chelsea would like to take this opportunity to thank Claude for the five years of service he has given to the club.

“He has been a key part of our trophy success during that time and we wish him well for the future.

“He will always be welcomed back to Stamford Bridge in the future either as a player or as a friend of the club.”