Watford: Hornets sign former Roma midfielder Eduardo Bove on a long-term contract

Watford have signed former Roma and Fiorentina midfielder Eduardo Bove on a five-and-a-half-year contract.

The 23-year-old collapsed on the field two years ago during a loan spell with Fiorentina and was transferred to intensive care.

He was later fitted with a defibrillator, and has not played a senior match since.

Footballers are banned from playing in Italy with a defibrillator, and Roma have released him from his contract to allow him to find a club abroad.

Bove told the club’s website, external He was “excited” about the challenge of returning to action and helping the Hornets teach the league a top flight.

“I was keen to get back on the pitch, and to do so with a historic club like Watford fills me with great pride,” Boff said.

He added: “I am excited to train with my new teammates and play, and I cannot wait to show my gratitude for the trust placed in me.”

Watford assistant sporting director Valon Bahrami has confirmed that the former Italy Under-21 international has a number of options available to him.

“We are happy that Eduardo chose us over the many options available to him,” Bahrami said.

He added: “Eduardo is a great and proven talent, and he is here to help us achieve the owner’s goal, which is to challenge for a return to the English Premier League.”

Likewise, Christian Eriksen left Inter Milan in 2021 after being fitted with a defibrillator following a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark in the 2020 European Championship.