It’s official. Petr Cech has completed his move from Chelsea to Arsenal. The towering goal keeper had fallen out of favor at the Stamford Bridge as Thiraut Courtois returned from Atletico Madrid to claim the number 1 spot.
The 33-year-old penned a farewell letter to all the Chelsea staff and fans. Cech thanked everyone at the club for bearing with him during his 11 years in West London.
He posted a picture on twitter saying: “I thought this would never happen but it is time for me to say goodbye to Chelsea football club.
“The club I have lived every single minute for since joining in 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.
“Since 2004 it has been an incredible journey with so many highs and lows.
“We have managed to win every single English trophy as well as the Europa League and the biggest of all – Champions League.
“Looking back at all the achievements, including our first ever league double in 2010, back to back titles in 2005 and 2006, and multiple EPL and FA Cup wins, I couldn’t be more proud!
“As a team we made history together!
“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 look for new challenges.
“The limited playing time gave me the chance to refresh and rest mentally as well as make me realise just how much I enjoy playing football at the highest level because I missed it badly every game day I was not involved.
“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 top-quality players you face while playing in the Premier League – simply the best and the most challenging in the world.
“That’s why I spoke to Mr Abrahimovic 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 the club and all of us.
“I would like to personally thank everybody involved with Chelsea football club for their support – all the payers, staff, managers and all the coaching staff I have had the pleasure of working with over the years.
“Without them it would have been impossible for us to have achieved such success.
“But most important of all – a huge thank you goes to all 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.”
The Czech International will play against his former club on August 2 when Chelsea face Arsenal at the Wembley Stadium in the Community Shield match. Arsene Wenger has a great squad at his disposal now and with Cech in between the sticks, the Gunners will get more motivation to challenge for the title. If the North Londoners don’t get many injury problems they’ll genuinely be contenders for Chelsea’s Premier League crown. Petr Cech is without a doubt one of the best signings of Arsene Wenger and he can certainly help them lift more silverwares.