Djordje Petrovic explains decision to leave Chelsea as goalkeeper shares how he really feels

Bournemouth completed the signing of goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea on Wednesday.

Petrovic has joined the Cherries in a £25m deal after a successful loan spell at Strasbourg last season.

Despite impressing in Ligue 1, Chelsea were unwilling to guarantee Petrovic a starting spot and ultimately decided to put him up for sale.

The 25-year-old has now explained his decision to join Bournemouth from the Club World Cup winners.

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Djordje Petrovic left Chelsea in order to grow

Chelsea‘s current first-choice and second-choice goalkeepers are Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, with the former excelling at the Club World Cup.

Considering that, Petrovic was at risk of seeing very little first-team football had he remained at Stamford Bridge.

It was something that the Serbian was clearly unwilling to settle for, as he wants to “grow”, hence his decision to join Bournemouth in a move that has left him delighted.

Speaking to Bournemouth’s official club website after confirmation of his move to the Vitality Stadium, Petrovic said: “I’m really happy to be here. I came to Bournemouth because I want to grow and I want to play at the best level. Together with this club, with these facilities, I think we can achieve it. I want to help the team get the results, improve every day and be a better player.”

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As for Chelsea, they are likely to continue with Sanchez as No.1, especially after his recent heroics against Paris Saint-Germain.

Had the Spaniard not played, the Blues could have lost that game. Sanchez made some excellent saves while his distribution was also superb. Sanchez left Enzo Fernandez and Liam Delap in awe with his display.

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What Bournemouth like about Djordje Petrovic

Bournemouth are also very happy with Petrovic’s decision to sign for them from Chelsea.

For their President of Football Operations Tiago Pinto, Petrovic is a goalkeeper with a lot of qualities and a good level of experience.

He told the club’s website: “We have been looking for the right talent to invest in within this area of the pitch and Djordje has very impressive qualities, as well as a lot of experience for someone who is still young. We are excited that he is the one coming to join our project and look forward to working with him.”

Had Sanchez finished the 2024/25 Premier League season poorly, perhaps Chelsea would have done more to keep hold of Petrovic. But the Spain international kept clean sheets against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in the Blues’ final two games before shining at the Club World Cup.

Ultimately, Chelsea will feel their decision to back Sanchez has been fully justified.

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