Premier League giants Chelsea have confirmed the loan transfer of Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old joins Chelsea on a season-long loan deal from the European champions.

He has spent the last three seasons at the Estadio Santiago Bernebeu after joining from Inter Milan.

Mateo Kovacic played his part in helping the Los Merengues to three successive Champions League title in those three seasons.

On his loan move to Chelsea, he said: “I am really happy and excited to be here. It is an amazing feeling.”

“I will try to do my best for this club. It is a new league for me, the beginning is always tough but I am sure the coach and my new team-mates will help me and I am looking forward to a great season.” He further stated in his first interview as a Chelsea player.

The club’s director Marina Granovskaia added: “He is a perfect fit for us this season, his style is well suited to how Maurizio wants to play and we are sure he will prove to be a valuable asset for the club.”

Mateo Kovacic was part of the Croatia squad that reached the final of the recently concluded FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia.