Bradford move 'a mistake', says Petrescu (CliveBrunskill/Allsport)

Southampton are paying £100,000 for the 33-year-old midfielder, with £700,000 going to the player in compensation for the two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.

Petrescu, whose medical included a scan on a back problem, will be paid the same £10,000 a week wage he turned down in the summer to sign for Bradford on £5,000 a week more.

He said: 'I should have joined Southampton last summer when Glenn first came in for me. I have taken a pay cut because I want to play for him again.

'He brought me to Chelsea from Sheffield Wednesday and has always been a big influence on my career.

'I do not regret Bradford. It was an experience - even if it was a bad one.

'Sometimes a bad experience can help your career by making you appreciate the good times and help you improve.' Petrescu made 16 appearances for Bradford, scoring once at West Ham, but he started only three of eight games after Jim Jefferies took charge and was substituted in them all.