Asmir
Begovic has completed his transfer from Stoke to Chelsea for an undisclosed
fee.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina goalkeeper leaves Stoke after five-and-a-half
years and will challenge Thibaut Courtois for the keeper's role at Stamford
Bridge.
His departure leaves England international Jack Butland and recent signing
Shay Given as the senior keepers at the Britannia Stadium.
In a statement released on his twitter page Begovic said: "I would like to
say thank you to everyone at Stoke Football Club, the chairman and Coates
family, Mark Hughes and Tony Pulis, goalkeeper coach Andy Quy, all my
team-mates and especially the fans who have made me and my family so
welcome.
"I have loved my time at Stoke, but feel I had the opportunity for me to
continue to develop and challenge myself as a player.
"I am very proud of what we have achieved during my time at Stoke, and it
has been a great team of players to work with. I wish you all the best for
the season ahead."
Begovic has signed a four-year contract and is Chelsea's second summer
signing following a loan deal for Radamel Falcao.
He told the Chelsea website: "I am very happy to be joining Chelsea. After
speaking at length to the manager, I feel like I can develop here and be an
important part of this team. I am looking forward to meeting up with the
team on Wednesday for the pre-season tour."
Begovic, 28, will wear the No 1 shirt vacated by Petr Cech, with Courtois
remaining No 13.
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