Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic signed by Chelsea for £8m

Chelsea Football Club has confirmed the £8m signing of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from Stoke City.

The 28 year old Asmir Begovic has signed a four-year contract with Chelsea and becomes the second signing of the summer following the signing of Radamel Falcao on a season-long loan.

Asmir Begovic: I am very happy to be joining Chelsea FC. 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

Asmir Begovic, who is 6ft 6in tall, had spent the previous five and a half years with Stoke City having joined from his first professional club Portsmouth in early 2010.

Asmir Begovic message to Stoke and his fans: I would like to say thank you to everyone at Stoke football club, the chairman and Coates family, Mark Hughes and Tony Pilus, 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 feelI had to take this opportunity for me to continue to develop and challenge meself 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