BOLTON have completed the signing of controversial Senegalese striker El-Hadji Diouf from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old has signed a four-year contract at the Reebok Stadium after spending last season there on loan.
Diouf, who made his name during Senegal's impressive 2002 World Cup campaign, scored nine goals in 27 league appearances last season as Wanderers qualified for the UEFA Cup.
The player, currently preparing for a World Cup qualifier between Senegal and Togo, told Bolton's official website the deal was "wonderful" and he regarded Sam Allardyce as the best manager he had worked with.
"Last season was my best spell for nearly five years and my time at the Reebok gave me an understanding that my career was going nowhere at Liverpool," he said.
"The Bolton fans have made me welcome and are always chanting my name. As a player that makes you feel so proud and all you want to do is play to your best and not to let the fans down - they mean a lot to me."
Allardyce admitted it had been a long period of negotiation with both Diouf and his former club Liverpool to secure the player's move, but was delighted to have the hitman on board.
"He has all the skills in the world to become one of our most significant signings int he modern era of this great club.
"Last season he was a revelation and no one more than himself relished the opportunity of resurrecting his career with us.
"We will give him the confidence he needs to become one of Europe's top strikers again - that's how much confidence I have in the lad."
Will Diouf shine at the Reebok? Have your say.
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This is the one signing that Bolton needed to complete above all else. Diouf, despite his much publicised antics, added that little bit of extra quality to the Wanderers last season and was one of the major reasons for such an excellent placing in the Premiership.
Will Diouf shine at the Reebok? He already has done, last season! He seems to have a bubbling enthusiasm for the club, and I'm sure his excellent form will continue. However, I'm still unsure about his "big match" temperament. I'm glad we didn't get the mediocre malingerer Robert. Anybody think Dacourt is a promising package?
allardyce has got no scruples whatsoever signing him , he'll be signing lee bowyer next
Diouf was absolutely sensational last season and he can only get better. He is only 24 so i think we will have some player in the next 2 years. As long as he can cantrol his temper i think he will become a Bolton legend. Well done 2 Big Sam and the Chairman 4 sticking by Diouf and well done 2 Diouf for puttin in the brilliant performances .....keep it up!!!