The 29-year-old was available after leaving the Cottagers following the expiration of his contract at the end of last season and joins on a two-year deal; he will provide cover for Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga and replaces Willy Caballero, who was released this summer
Thursday 29 July 2021 15:15, UK
Chelsea have signed goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on a free transfer following his release by Fulham.
The 29-year-old was available after leaving the Cottagers following the expiration of his contract at the end of last season and joins on a two-year deal.
He will provide cover for Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga at Stamford Bridge and replaces Willy Caballero, who was released this summer.
Bettinelli spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Middlesbrough, making 42 appearances as they finished 10th in the Championship.
On the move, Bettinelli said: "It's always been a special club. I know the area very well so it's been a dream of mine to come over to this side and it's finally happened.
"There were some talks a few years ago when I was a bit younger and for whatever reason that didn't come about but I'm here now.
"I'm really excited to be involved and looking forward to trying to impress and help the team as much as I can."
Chelsea will parade the Champions League trophy for the first time since being crowned European champions in May ahead of next month's friendly against London rivals Tottenham.
They are hosting Spurs in front of what the club hope will be a near-capacity crowd at Stamford Bridge on August 4.
Ahead of kick-off, a member of the Chelsea squad will parade the trophy around the pitch before being interviewed about their victory.
Chelsea won the Champions League for a second time in May after Kai Havertz's first-half strike gave them a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in Porto.
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