Djordje Petrovic breaks silence on Chelsea exit as Bournemouth transfer confirmed

Djordje Petrovic has revealed he joined Bournemouth because he "wanted to grow" with his £25million Chelsea exit now confirmed.

The 25-year-old informed the Blues he wanted to leave after no guarantee could be made of regular first-team football this season. Enzo Maresca already has Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Mike Penders and Gabriel Slonina in the Blues' ranks and, in the end, it suited both parties for Petrovic to depart.

Petrovic, who impressed on loan at Strasbourg last season, joined the club from New England Revolution in the summer of 2023 but departs after Bournemouth agreed to pay £25million for the Serbian's services. The goalkeeper has signed a five-year deal with the Cherries and will now join up with his new teammates immediately, ahead of their pre-season tour to the US.

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After the transfer was announced on Wednesday, Petrovic explained why he felt the time was right to leave Chelseaand join Bournemouth. Speaking to the official Bournemouth website, Petrovic said: "I’m really happy to be here. I came to Bournemouth because I want to grow and I want to play at the best level.

"Together with this club, with these facilities, I think we can achieve it. I want to help the team get the results, improve every day and be a better player.”

Bournemouth’s president of football operations, Tiago Pinto, added: “I’m really pleased to bring Djordje to the club. The opportunity to sign a player of his calibre in the market was one we had to take, particularly given how vital the position of a goalkeeper is.

“We have been looking for the right talent to invest in within this area of the pitch and Djordje has very impressive qualities, as well as a lot of experience for someone who is still young. We are excited that he is the one coming to join our project and look forward to working with him.”