Photos: Gough's career

Gough, who left Yorkshire last month after 15 years to be closer to his Milton Keynes home, has signed a three-year deal.

"Essex are an ambitious club and I believe we can win trophies," said the 33-year-old.

"There's the nucleus of a good side here and I hope I can help the young bowlers who're here."

Gough cited the presence of former England captains Nasser Hussain and Graham Gooch, now Essex coach, as major reasons for his decision.

"There were six counties who were interested in me, although I only met three of them," he added.

"I think it was only going to be Essex, although people always try to persuade you otherwise, but deep down I knew Essex were the county for me."

Warwickshire had been keen to bring Gough to Edgbaston, while the Barnsley-born paceman was also linked with Gloucestershire and Middlesex.

Hussain said: "It's not a financial move. Warwickshire are much more high profile but basically Darren wants to get back to enjoying his cricket.

"We're hoping in the three years he can reproduce the form he showed for England and Yorkshire."

Dogged by knee trouble in the last two years, he was forced to retire from Test cricket last summer.

"He's still one of the best in the world in one-day cricket," Essex captain Ronnie Irani told Five Live.

"His knee will have to be managed in the four-day game but he's still going to do an excellent job for us."

Gooch added: "He's a quality player who can help us immensely.

"We knew there was a chance he was going to be available and made our interest known."

In terms of media and membership interest he would be a good signing but in terms of wages, fitness, and age he would not From Saqlain Giles Have your say on TMS

Hussain emphasised the importance of making sure they get the best from Gough.

"He's only got one knee left. I know Darren and I know he'll be running in all day so we've got to handle him well," he said.

Short of a strike bowler, Essex were relegated from County Championship Division One in 2003, after a single season in the top tier.

Following three operations on his knee, Gough retired from Test cricket last summer with 58 caps and 229 wickets.

But he is keen to continue his international career in one-day cricket, having taken 188 wickets in 121 appearances at an average of 24.96.