OFFICIAL: Richardson's a Cottager

Kieran Richardson has this morning signed for Fulham on a three year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 27 year-old had been keen to return to the capital to move closer to his family after spending five years on Wearside.

Richardson completes a move believed to be worth £2.5m, signing a contract with the Whites which will run until 2015 with the option for a further year.

Speaking to fulhamfc.com, Richardson spoke of his delight at completing the move:

"I`m delighted that my transfer to Fulham has been completed and now I`m eager to start training for my new club straight away and pulling on the white shirt for the first time."

His new boss Martin Jol added:

"Kieran is a proven top-level player, who has the versatility to play a number of positions. He will bring all-round quality which will add strength to our squad and I`m confident that he will adapt well to our style of football, and make an impact for us."

The Greenwich-born utility man was signed in 2005 by then-boss Roy Keane for a fee of £5.5m from Keane's former club, Manchester United.

Signed initially as a left-winger, Richardson went on to play central midfield, in the hole, up front and left back for the Black Cats, making 131 league appearances, scoring 14 goals.

The most memorable strike of course was his bolt-from-the-blue free-kick against the Mags in October 2008, a fine strike which won the derby for the Black Cats.

Many thanks for everything Kieran and the very best of luck from Vital Sunderland.

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