Arsenal Unveil Ex-Chelsea Keeper Petr Cech
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea for around £10m.
The 33-year-old, who signed what Arsenal described 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."
Cech is a seven-time Czech Footballer of the Year and 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.
"It was probably the hardest decision for me [to leave Chelsea], but last year I realised that I am not in a phase of my career when I would sit on the bench. I want to be playing, I want to have a chance to compete for my position in the team and I want to be useful for the team and do the usual stuff on the pitch week in, week out.
"I hope I will have that possibility to compete for my place here at Arsenal and I hope that I can bring something a little extra to the team that can help."
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