Bournemouth have signed keeper Asmir Begovic from Premier League champions Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.
The 29-year-old Bosnia-Herzegovina player has signed a “long-term deal” with the Cherries 10 years after signing for them on loan when they were in League One.
Begovic made 17 league starts in two seasons at Stamford Bridge – but just two as Chelsea won the league.
“I am coming into an important part of my career,” he said.
Begovic, who joined Chelsea on a four-year deal from Stoke City in July 2015, added: “I want to show people what I am capable of.
“Being part of a title-winning team at Chelsea was amazing but I felt now was the right time to move on because I want to be playing regular football.”
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Bournemouth secured a third successive season in the Premier League after finishing ninth in the table.
“Asmir is an outstanding goalkeeper who has proved himself capable of performing at the highest level over a number of years,” said Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe.
“He is a leader as well and exactly the kind of character you want in the team.”
Thanks to the players, managers, staff & the fans @ChelseaFC. It was great to be part of this winning squad. All the best for the future ? pic.twitter.com/l24JodE4IB
— Asmir Begovic (@asmir1) May 30, 2017
Begovic made his debut at Chelsea as a substitute on the opening day of last season before a sustained period in the side following injury to Thibaut Courtois.
During that time, he made his Champions League debut, and was in goal towards the end of the campaign too.
This season, Begovic appeared in domestic cup action, starting all three of our matches in the EFL Cup as well as the FA Cup third, fourth and fifth rounds.
His final game for the club was the recent 4-3 victory against Watford, three days after we had wrapped up the Premier League title away at West Bromwich Albion.
In total, Begovic made 33 appearances for the Blues, keeping 10 clean sheets.
