Chelsea sign Roma left-back Emerson

English football champions Chelsea have announced the signing of left-back Emerson Palmieri from AS Roma for 20 million euros ($24.90 million).

"The 23-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract and will wear the number 33 shirt," Chelsea said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Brazil-born Italian has not featured for Roma in the European Champions League this season due to injury. He is eligible to play in all competitions for Chelsea.

Roma said that the agreement also includes a number of performance-related clauses, dependent on the achievements of both the English club and the player, worth up to a maximum of an additional nine million euros ($11.20 million).

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."

Emerson, a product of Santos club academy, arrives following a fruitful and productive two-and-a-half seasons with Roma.

--IANS

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