Shevchenko will replace the departed Hernan Crespo

The Ukrainian scored 173 goals for Milan before his �30.8m move in May and told the London Evening Standard he was looking forward to a new test.

"I know the difficulties I might come up against and I'm going to try and be ready for them," he said.

"I like the English way; it's less tactical than Italy but more exciting."

Football has become more physically demanding but I am prepared for the challenges ahead

The 2004 European Footballer of the Year made his reputation at Dynamo Kiev, playing alongside Sergei Rebrov.

And although his former team-mate's spell in England with Tottenham and West Ham ended in disappointment, he said striker Rebrov had encouraged him to make the move.

"I spoke to Sergei about coming here and he was very enthusiastic," he added.

"He had a good first year and it was a shame he was not able to continue in the same way but he got a lot from playing here and I hope to as well."

Shevchenko may not be the most physically imposing striker in the Premiership but he should be able to take care of himself after years of dealing with Italian defenders.

"They are pretty tough and I'm used to that," he said.