Chelsea
have completed the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid on a
season-long loan.
The 24-year-old moves to London as part of the deal that takes Thibaut
Courtois to Real Madrid.
The Croatian international leaves the Spanish capital after three years at
the club following his move from Inter Milan in 2015.
I am really happy and excited to be here @ChelseaFC. It is a privilege and
an amazing feeling to be part of this club and I can't wait to start with
trainings and matches. I will try to do my best for this club and hope to
bring joy to our fans.
Kovacic made just 17 appearances in La Liga last season and moves to the
Premier League in search of regular first-team football.
He also played five games during Croatia's run to the World Cup final this
summer.
Kovacic told Chelsea's club website: "I am really happy and excited to be
here at Chelsea. It is an amazing feeling. I will try to do my best for this
club.
"It is a new league for me, the beginning is always tough but I am sure the
coach and my new team-mates will help me and I am looking forward to a great
season."
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: "We are very happy to welcome
Mateo to the Chelsea family. He is a perfect fit for us this season, his
style is well suited to how Maurizio wants to play and we are sure he will
prove to be a valuable asset for the club."
top