<
>

Chelsea target Eduardo bids farewell to Dinamo Zagreb

Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper Eduardo has bid farewell to the Croatian club ahead of his proposed move to Chelsea.

Eduardo, 33, starred on Wednesday night as his side overcame FC Salzburg 2-1 after extra time to qualify for the Champions League group stage.

The Portugal international is now set to team up with Antonio Conte, with Dinamo manager Zlatko Kranjcar saying last week that a move to Stamford Bridge was imminent, but not before he thanked the club and its supporters for the memories.

"At the same time I am sad and happy," Eduardo told the club's official website. "This was a beautiful story but I received a chance at a big club.

"This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I think I deserve it. I am leaving Dinamo when the club qualified for Champions league, I am thrilled for that success.

"I hope you will remember me as a person who has always given everything for the club and the fans. I will have fond memories [of Dinamo]."

Chelsea are in need of an experienced third-choice goalkeeper behind Thibaut Courtois and Asmir Begovic after youngster Jamal Blackman was loaned to Wycombe Wanderers to gain first-team experience.

Eduardo is accustomed to a reserve role after winning Euro 2016 last month as Rui Patricio's understudy in France.

Kranjcar revealed last week that the 33-year-old would move to Stamford Bridge after Dinamo's Champions League playoff tie.

"Yes, I think so," the former Croatia international said. "Eduardo has been given an amazing opportunity to leave for a big club like Chelsea."