#begovic

[azpiiicueta]

old pals

[chelseafootballclub]

Chelsea has accepted a £10-million bid from Bournemouth for backup 'keeper Asmir Begovic, with the Cherries now in the process of negotiating personal terms with the Bosnia and Herzegovina international ahead of a completed medical.

The 29-year-old joined the Blues out of Stoke City on a four-year deal but has only made 33 appearances over the last two years, stuck playing second fiddle behind Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge - and featuring just twice in this past Premier League campaign.

Begovic, who played for Bournemouth in 2007, would certainly have an easier shot at a starting spot in Eddie Howe's side, where he'd be tasked with replacing 37-year-old netminder Artur Boruc at Vitality Stadium.

[footballers-with-beats]

Asmir Begović

[chelseafootballclub]

Asmir Begovic on Terry. 'Absolutely he's still got it, he's the best defender in Premier League history. We don't play regularly so when we are called upon we have to show what we can bring to the team.

'He trains like he always has. I can see him continuing to play and I don't see why he should quit but maybe if he lifts two trophies that's a great way to go out as well.'

[chelseafootballclub]

Asmir Begovic if focused on the team, despite not receiving many minutes on the field.

"I think it bugs any professional when you don’t play regularly. What keeps me going is the chance of being able to lift some silverware and be part of a trophy winning side so that’s a big motivation for me. But, of course, I think it bugs you every time you don’t play and when it carries on for a longer time then it becomes even more difficult. But in terms of moving clubs that is something that is obviously not an option now. I am fully committed to the cause - I know my role within the team and the leadership I can bring. I am fully committed to the club and getting us over the line, getting this trophy won this year, and then we’ll take it from there."

-Asmir Begovic; source: talkSport

[chelseafootballclub]

Asmir Begovic admits lack of playing time 'bugs' him

Begovic: “I think it [not playing] bugs every professional. The thing that keeps me going is lifting silverware and being in a successful side. It bugs me but in terms of moving clubs it's not an option at the moment.”

Begovic had been linked with a move during the January transfer window but a failure to locate an adequate replacement saw Conte refuse to sanction the deal.

[chelseafootballclub]

Asmir Begovic has confirmed exit rumors. The keeper wants more minutes and he’s even willing to give up the opportunity to win a Premier League medal to do so.

“My future is something that will be sorted out over the next couple of days - obviously the club decide. For me, it is about wanting to play. I find it very difficult, not playing for a long time and that's something that I would like to do. If the club would allow me to do that, under the right circumstances, then that's what I'll do."

"[Losing on a Premier League medal is] a tough part and I hope the team lifts the title and maybe I will be part of that. But it is difficult when you don't play for a certain amount of time and that overrides everything. I am a footballer, I like to play and I came here to challenge myself. I have enjoyed everything so far and if I am still here then I will continue to work hard and that's all I can do. If [Chelsea do not allow me to leave], I will continue to work hard and support everyone and the team. I have a huge respect for the manager and the club so they know my feelings and it is nothing other than wanting to play."

-Asmir Begović; Source: London Evening Standard

[chelseafootballclub]

Antonio Conte says backup goalkeeper Asmir Begovic can leave the club and find more consistent playing time elsewhere so long as the Blues can find a suitable replacement beforehand.

Conte: "First of all I want to say that Asmir is an important player for me, on and off the pitch. A really important player. He knows this. Yes, there is this offer and we are evaluating this offer. But it's important to find the right solution for Asmir, for the club, for me, because I repeat he's a really important player for me on and off the pitch. It's important to find the right solution before he goes away. Only if we have a good substitution he can go, otherwise he stays here."

Begovic joined Chelsea in 2015 for a reported £8-million fee and despite being a natural starter for Stoke City, he was resigned to a bench role behind Belgian shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge. Begovic has featured just four times this season, making three League Cup appearances and also minding the posts in an FA Cup third-round fixture.