Newcastle sign 'dazzling' Kluivert
 |  Kluivert is one of Newcastle's most significant signings says Robson |
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NEWCASTLE, England -- Dutch international striker Patrick Kluivert signed a three-year deal with English premier league Newcastle on Wednesday after being released by Barcelona.
"I'm feeling 100 per cent fit and I hope to win some big prizes here," said the 28-year-old Kluivert who reportedly earns 80,000 pounds ($147,000) a week.
Manager Sir Bobby Robson described Kluivert's arrival as "one of the most significant signings in Newcastle in many years."
"It is like the feeling when Alan Shearer came home," he added.
Kluivert was told by Spanish Primera Liga Barcelona in May he could leave the club despite having another year to run on his contract.
Robson hailed Kluivert as a "dazzling player ... with the best years of his career ahead of him."
He added: "I've known Patrick for many years...he's a player of immense experience and great stature. He's played for the top clubs in his career."
Kluivert, who is expected to edge out Welshman Craig Bellamy as skipper Alan Shearer's strike partner, spent six years at Barcelona after joining from AC Milan.
The Dutchman was a product of the Ajax Amsterdam youth academy, scoring the winner as a teenager in their 1-0 Champions League final victory over Milan in 1995.
Kluivert arrived in Newcastle on Wednesday to undergo a medical and iron out his contract's finer points.
"Newcastle is a great club with great players. I've got a feeling about it," the former Barcelona player told the BBC.
"It is an honor to play for such a passionate audience."
