Begovic swaps red and black of Bournemouth for AC Milan

By Sam Studd

AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has joined Serie A side AC Milan on loan for the remainder of the current season.

Begovic was targeted by Milan following the departure of Pepe Reina from the Rossoneri, who has joined Cherries’ relegation rivals Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the season.

The Bosnian international, 32, has made 70 appearances for Bournemouth across two spells at the club, with his most recent spell starting in 2017, following a move from Chelsea.

Speaking to AC Milan’s website upon his arrival, Begovic said: “I chose AC Milan because for me it’s a big challenge. One of the best clubs in the world with fantastic history, amazing fans, big pressure of course but a team with big ambition and I wanted to join AC Milan.

“For me I spent a long time in England. I was ready for a different challenge, ready to go to a different country, to understand the league here and what it means to play for AC Milan.

“For me, very excited, looking forward to the challenge and I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m ready to help the team in any way I can. It’s an honour for me to be here and replace Pepe Reina, who is an amazing goalkeeper and amazing person so I know what is expected of me.

“I think it’s an amazing country for football, amazing culture for football. They love football here, the fans, this club of this tradition, history and ambition, for me there is no better club in the world.”

The keeper started his career at Portsmouth in 2005, where he was sent on a loan spell to Dean Court in 2007.

“For me I spent a long time in England,” Begovic continued. “I was ready for a different challenge, ready to go to a different country, to understand the league here and what it means to play for AC Milan.”

He has fallen out of favour with Cherries manager Eddie Howe and spent a large part of the early season on loan in Azerbaijan with Qarabag.

Aaron Ramsdale, 21, had emerged as first choice goalkeeper for Bournemouth this season, with 20-year-old Mark Travers chosen when Ramsdale was unavailable.

Veteran goalkeeper Artur Boruc, 39 , who will be out of contract in the summer, has not been used at all this season so far.