Peter CechPetr Cech believes that he can play an instrumental role in helping lead Arsenal to their first Premier League title since the 2003/04 season. He joined Chelsea from Rennes in 2004 as Jose Mourinho took charge at Stamford Bridge for the first time.
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However, he has now acknowledged he could not stand in Cech’s way, with the goalkeeper having fallen behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order.
Mourinho, who was embroiled in an on-running war of words with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger last season, made no secret of his wish to block the veteran’s move to their London neigbours.
“I think it has been great to have a chat with Jose because he is a manager that I have worked with for the longest time in my career”, he told Press Association Sport.
“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”.
He added: “Yes, there were other clubs in for me but I had said previously that I would put all the offers down next to one another and choose the best one for football reasons”. Now we will be opponents, but it will not change our relationship.
The keeper understands Mourinho’s decision, but also stated that he needed to make his own decisions as a result. I’ll never forget it. It will stay with me forever.
“Obviously I am happy that I have this opportunity to start my new chapter with Arsenal“.
“I am very grateful and it means a lot to me to have the word from the man who without him Chelsea wouldn’t have been in the position it is now”, Cech said.
Cech’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium has been hailed by ex- players as a game changer, and with his arrival, the expectation levels have increased regarding Arsenal’s chances of challenging the Premier League champions for the title next season. As a result of this, he expressed his desire to leave the club this summer. “True fans will appreciate what I’ve done and the legacy I’ve left”, the goalkeeper told reporters.
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Videos and Vines of some of the greatest saves of his Chelsea career went viral on social media, with this save from the 2012 Champions League Final being the fan favorite.
