Bove returns with Watford after cardiac arrest

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

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

He was later fitted with a cardiac defibrillator, and has not played a senior game since then.

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

Bove told the club website, external he was "excited" at the challenge of returning to action and helping the Hornets teach the top flight.

"I have been eager to get back on the pitch, and doing so with a historic club like Watford fills me with immense pride," said Bove.

"I am excited to train with my new team-mates and to play, and I cannot wait to show my gratitude for the trust that has been placed in me."

Valon Behrami, Watford's assistant sporting director, maintained the former Italy Under-21 international has a number of options available to him.

"We are delighted Edoardo has chosen us over many options he had," said Behrami.

"Edoardo is a top, proven talent and he is here to help us fulfil the objective of the owner which is to challenge for a return to the Premier League."

Christian Eriksen similarly left Inter Milan in 2021 after having a defibrillator fitted following his cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark in the 2020 European Championship.