Official: Bove joins Watford on long contract after heart problems

Edoardo Bove has officially signed a long-term contract with Watford, after terminating his Roma deal due to a heart condition, resuming his career after more than a year.

“I would like to thank the entire Watford family for the warm welcome I have received. From day one, they have given me the best possible conditions to take this important step in my career,” Bove told the official club website.

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

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

The midfielder was on loan at Fiorentina in December 2024 when he suddenly collapsed during a Serie A match against Inter at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence.

He was revived on the field and rushed to the nearby hospital, where he received an implanted cardiac defibrillator.

The Italian rules ban any athlete from having this implant, which is why Christian Eriksen had to leave Inter after a similar incident when he was representing Denmark at EURO 2024.

Bove terminated his Roma contract by mutual consent and has now signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with Watford.

However, Sky Sport Italia report that the deal has a clause allowing the English club to break it after six months.

The 23-year-old had 14 caps for Italy at Under-21 level, but has now played football since that collapse just over a year ago.

“We are delighted Edoardo has chosen us over many options he had,” said Valon Behrami, the Assistant to the Sporting Director.

“This is testament to the relationship we have built with him, the reputation of the club and the ambition of the owner.

“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.”