Eduardo delighted to be part of Chelsea’s Portugal link

Chelsea’s list of Portuguese success stories is extensive, and new signing Eduardo is relishing the chance to join the club.

Jose Mourinho’s first appointment at Stamford Bridge in 2004 began a flurry of Portuguese signings in the coming years, with Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho both joining the Blues in the same summer.

And the likes of Maniche, Jose Bosingwa, Hilario, Tiago Mendes, Deco, Ricardo Quaresma, and Raul Meireles all also made their way to south-west London with varying degrees of success.

Goalkeeper Eduardo joined the Blues from Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb, having been part of the Portugal squad that became European champions last month.

(Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

And the 33-year-old admits the Portuguese connection at Stamford Bridge was a big part in his desire to move to Stamford Bridge.

“We adapt,” he said. “We are players who like challenges and I think we have a lot of talent also in Portugal. The proof is that players who come here are a success and I hope I will be the same.

“I still play with Ricardo Carvalho in the national team and he and Paulo Ferreira proved the talent they have when they were here. They are fantastic people and examples in Portugal.

“Of course I know Hilario. I saw him play in Portugal and we were colleagues in the national team and I know him personally.

“He is a fantastic person. He is an example for me and when we talked he said coming to Chelsea was a good opportunity for me.

“I spoke to the Portuguese who played here and they all say the same, it was an amazing experience and the opportunity to come here was a great moment in their careers.”