Arsenal
have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea for around
£10m.
The 33-year-old, who has signed what Arsenal describe as a "long-term
contract", made more than 400 appearances in 11 years for the Blues. He
decided to leave Stamford Bridge after losing his first-team spot to Thibaut
Courtois.
He won four Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League, four
FA Cups and three League Cup trophies with Chelsea.
Although Chelsea were reluctant to let Cech join one of their rivals, the
Czech Republic international was assured he could choose his preferred
destination after his service to the club.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said Cech was one of the outstanding 'keepers in
the world and would be a great addition to the Gunners squad.
He told the club’s website: “Petr Cech is a player that I have admired for a
long time and I am very pleased that he has decided to join us.
“He has proven over many seasons that he is one of the outstanding 'keepers
in the world and he will add great strength to our squad.”
A seven-time Czech Footballer of the Year, Cech has 114 caps for his
country. He joined Chelsea from Rennes in 2004 as Jose Mourinho took charge
at Stamford Bridge for the first time.
Cech told the Arsenal website he was eager to join the club following talks
with Wenger, saying: “I’m really excited about joining Arsenal Football Club
and can't wait to join up for pre-season.
"I have the same commitment to football, the same motivation and the same
hunger for success as I had at the beginning of my career, and I love the
challenges brought by the top quality players you face while playing in the
Premier League.
“When Arsene Wenger spoke to me about his ambitions for this club, and how
he saw me as part of this team, the decision was clear. Arsenal is a team
that challenges at the very top, a side that matches my ambitions and
personal motivations. At this time of my career I believe I have made a good
choice and I will have the success that I would love to have."
Chelsea described Cech as an "icon" on their official website, with the
player himself posting a lengthy letter to their supporters on his Twitter
page.
"I thought this would never happen but it is time for me to say goodbye to
Chelsea Football Club," he wrote. "The club I have lived every single minute
for since joining July 2004, the club in which I thought I'd hang my gloves
and boots one day and finish my career. But life doesn't always turn out the
way you think it will.
"Last summer, things changed and I understood I was no longer the
first-choice 'keeper but I felt it was not the right time for me to go.
"During the season it became clear that my situation would not improve and
as I know I am not at the stage of my career where I want to be on the
bench, I made my decision to move on and look for new challenges."
Cech expressed his gratitude towards Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich for
allowing him to remain in England, even though it meant selling him to a
potential title rival this season.
He said: "I spoke to Mr Abramovich about me staying in the Premier League
and I'd like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for his support in
this matter. It means so much to me because without him Chelsea Football
Club would not be where it is now.
"He deserves huge credit for what he has done for the club and for all of
us."
Cech then hailed the Blues supporters, adding: "A huge thank you to the
Chelsea fans. I did everything for you and you gave me your love back. I'll
never forget it. It will stay with me forever.
"We will meet again but this time I will be in the other goal - I hope you
will remember our history and understand it is time for me to begin a new
adventure."
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