Chelsea sign Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo from Dinamo Zagreb
Friday 26 August 2016 09:37, UK
Chelsea have completed the signing of Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo from Dinamo Zagreb.
The 33-year-old, who was a part of Portugal's triumphant Euro 2016 squad this summer, providing back-up to Rui Patricio, arrives at Stamford Bridge on a one-year contract following two seasons with the Croatian champions.
"Having the opportunity to come to the Premier League and to Chelsea, to such a big club, it is an easy decision to make," Eduardo told Chelsea's website.
"For me this is the best and the most difficult league and it is another level from where I have been until now. So it is a new challenge, at this moment I feel very good, so I am ready for this.
"All the colleagues I have always say the dream is to come to the Premier League, where there are the best clubs and the best players, and the opportunity to come here arrived at this moment.
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"I am happy to be here and I hope I meet the expectations people have for me.'
Eduardo played in Dinamo's extra-time victory over Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday, which secured their place in the Champions League group stage.
Afterwards he bid farewell to Dinamo's fans in an interview on the club's official website - though he did not confirm Chelsea as being his next destination.
"At the same time I am happy and sad," Eduardo said. "This was a beautiful story, but I got a chance to go to a big club. It is the opportunity of lifetime and I think I deserve it."
Eduardo will compete with Thibaut Courtois and Asmir Begovic for playing time at Chelsea.
The Blues opted not to re-sign Marco Amelia this summer while youngster Jamal Blackman joined League Two side Wycombe Wanderers on loan last week.