Argentina striker Hernan Crespo [ Images ], who spent last season on loan at AC Milan [ Images ], is to resume his career at Chelsea [ Images ].

"We're delighted Hernan is coming back," Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon told the club's website on Wednesday.

"He had a great season on loan at Milan and showed what a good player he is. He is very happy to be coming back to Stamford Bridge [ Images ] and I know he will be welcomed by everyone."

The Premier League champions began pre-season training on Wednesday but Crespo's return will be delayed until Monday because the Serie A season finished later.

The 30-year-old, who played for Parma, Lazio and Inter Milan [ Images ] before joining Chelsea in 2003, got 18 goals in all competitions last season for AC Milan, including two in the Champions League [ Images ] final which they lost on penalties to Liverpool.

Crespo joined Chelsea from Inter for a transfer fee of 16.8 million pounds ($29.45 million) and scored 12 goals in 21 starts and 10 substitute appearances for the London [ Images ] club in 2003-04.