Helguson, 27, revealed his determination to earn a place in Chris Coleman’s first-team plans after making the move to west London.

He told the club’s website, www.fulhamfc.com: “I enjoyed my time at Watford as I made many good friends there over the years, but when the opportunity came along to return to the Premiership with Fulham it was simply something that I could not turn down.

“I am happy to join the club and am looking forward to working with the management team and hopefully to securing my place in the starting line-up.”

A number of clubs have been linked with a move for the former Lillestrom forward but Coleman won the race to make Helguson his second signing of the season, after recruiting Jaroslav Drobny from Greek outfit Panionios.

“I am really happy with the additions I have been able to make to the squad so far. I know that Heidar has a great goalscoring record and has proven that he can play at the highest level internationally and I am looking forward to working with him.

“The chairman (Mohammad Al Fayed) has enabled me to continue strengthening the squad and we have made some changes in the backroom staff, so I am looking forward to pre-season enormously when we can begin to take shape for the new campaign ahead.”

Helguson added: "Every player wants to play in the Premiership and I'm no different.

“I’ve had a great time at Watford but it’s my decision to move on. Everyone at the club has been brilliant towards me and I will especially miss the fans who have supported me.

“I wish Watford well for the future but now I’m looking forward to a new challenge at Fulham.”

Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd would have preferred to keep the player but sympathised with his desire to compete in the Premiership.

He told www.watfordfc.co.uk: “I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’d like to have had Heidar as part of squad next season.

“But the lure of the Premiership has proved too strong to resist and I can understand any player wanting to test themselves at the highest possible level.

“A footballer’s career doesn’t last too long and the chance for a player to be in a position to make his own choice about his future, particularly at our level, is reasonably rare.”