Zoltan Gera has signed a three-year deal at Fulham after moving on a free transfer from Barclays Premier League newcomers West Brom.

The Hungary international's contract at Craven Cottage also includes an option for an extra year after 2011.

Albion manager Tony Mowbray admitted two days ago that Gera, 29, had turned down the Baggies' latest contract offer in favour of joining Fulham, who only avoided relegation on the final day of the season.

Gera said: "This is a new challenge for me and, having spoken to (Fulham manager) Roy Hodgson, I'm impressed with the club's aims. I'm confident I can play a worthy part."

Gera scored 25 goals in 155 games for West Brom, including 10 last season as the club won the Coca-Cola Championship and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

He had been at West Brom since 2004, when he moved from Hungary's Ferencvaros for £1.5million.

Gera has won 53 caps for his country and has often captained them since making his international debut in 2002.

He had a long spell out after a hernia operation in 2005 but emerged as one of Albion's most outstanding recent performers and Fulham are thought to have beaten off at least two other Premier League clubs to sign him.

Hodgson told Fulham's website, fulhamfc.co.uk: "Zoltan is a versatile player whose skill and athleticism make him an ideal attacking midfield player but he can also play as a striker.

"He had a lot of options when he decided to move and we are delighted he chose to come to Fulham."