Michael Gray today ended his 14-year association with Sunderland by signing for Blackburn.
The remainder of the full-back's current two-and-a-half-year contract has been taken over by the Lancashire club as Sunderland continue their efforts to reduce their wage bill following relegation from the Barclaycard Premiership last season.
Gray signed for the Black Cats as an apprentice in July 1990 and made 411 appearances for the club, scoring 17 goals.
Gray told his new club's official website: "It is very exciting for me, not only to be joining a big club like Blackburn but to be back in the Premiership. I'm really delighted with the move."
He is expected to make his debut for Rovers against Chelsea on Sunday, and manager Graeme Souness is confident he will prove a good addition to his squad.
"We have followed Michael with interest for some time and one of the big plusses is his ability to play in all positions down the left. He has a good pedigree and we are pleased to welcome him aboard."
Sunderland chairman Bob Murray said: "We wish Michael all the best for the future. He has been a loyal servant of this club for many years and this move gives him the opportunity to kick start his career with a new challenge."
Gray was on loan at Celtic earlier this season and made 10 appearances for Martin O'Neill's side, including two in the Champions League group stage.
The Glasgow giants were among the clubs interested in securing his signature on a permanent basis but Blackburn ultimately came out on top.
The 29-year-old was a mainstay of the Sunderland team that played in the top flight from 1999 to 2003 and was capped three times by England during that time.