English Premier League champions, Chelsea FC, have completed the signing of defender Emerson Palmieri from Roma. Palmieri flew to the UK on Tuesday to undergo a medical at Chelsea's Cobham training ground and signed a four-and-a-half-year-deal with the club.
The 23-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract and will wear the number 33 shirt.
Upon signing for the Premier League champions, Emerson said: ‘I came here because it’s a great team with a great history. Today I am realising one of my dreams to pull on the shirt of such a great club.
‘English football is something I have been watching since I was 15 years old. It is a really beautiful game over here but it is going to be even more beautiful to play it.’
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: ‘We are delighted to welcome Emerson to the club. He is a young and talented player who strengthens the squad and will provide excellent competition for places as we pursue success in three different competitions.’
Emerson, full name Emerson Palmieri dos Santos, arrives following a fruitful and productive two-and-a-half seasons with Roma, where he established himself as an important member of the side and gained invaluable experience of playing in Europe.
A versatile left-sided player who can operate as a full-back, wing-back or in a more advanced role, Emerson is skilful, possesses a good range of passing and reads the game well for a player so young.
Having not featured for Roma in Europe this season he is eligible to play in all competitions for Chelsea. Welcome to Chelsea, Emerson!"