Djordje Petrovic reveals two Chelsea legends whose careers he wants to emulate at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea have finally confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic from MLS side New England Revolution. According to Sky Sports, the deal is worth £14 million.
The 23-year-old custodian made 48 appearances across competitions for the American club since joining them in April 2022. That is all the experience he has in club football at senior level outside of Serbia.
Petrovic, who has penned a seven-year contract at Chelsea (Transfermarkt), is agile for a 1.94-meter goalkeeper and is highly rated in his homeland. He has already won two senior caps for his country.
In his first interview with the club, he said that he had followed the Blues for a long time and he remembers watching two Serbian legends at the club — Nemanja Matic and Branislav Ivanovic. He said:
“I know a lot about Chelsea. I remember watching Drogba but, as a Serbian, I liked to watch players like Ivanovic and Nemanja Matic. I’m the next Serbian to play here and I want to achieve many good things at Chelsea like they did.”
Matic was first signed by us from Zilina in 2009 and was then sold to SL Benfica in 2011. Three years later, the Blues re-signed him, and the Serbian defensive midfielder went on to have a memorable three years at the club.
In total, the former Manchester United midfielder (now 35 and playing for Stade Rennais) made 154 appearances for us across competitions and won five trophies with us, including three Premier League titles. Ivanovic is a step above him in the hierarchy of Chelsea legends.
The legendary right-back, who retired in 2021, played 377 games for us and lifted 11 trophies with us. He also captained us many times and is remembered as one of the most solid defenders of the Premier League era. Petrovic will have to do well to have even half of the impact his two compatriots had in SW6.
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But the 23-year-old seems ready for the challenge. It remains to be seen if he will replace Robert Sanchez in the long run. But for now, the Spaniard looks like our No. 1 choice between the sticks after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan move to Real Madrid and Edouard Mendy’s permanent exit.