Petr Cech Speaks about his Arsenal move

Czech Republic’s goalkeeper Petr Cech was presented with his new Arsenal jersey after a press conference in Prague, Czech Republic on Wednesday. Cech explained his £10million move to Arsenal and how the Gunners boss convinced him to join from Chelsea, and also slammed the Chelsea ‘fans’ who sent him death threats following his move to Arsenal.

Cech has revealed that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was the main man who persuaded him to make the move from Chelsea to the Emirates, for a fee believed to be in the region of £10million, by offering him a four-year contract.

“We always said that if I had the permission from the club and from the owner to stay in the Premier League that I would consider every offer,” he said. “This is what happened and I have to say Arsenal came and put absolutely the best offer, in terms of the footballing side. They offered four years of the contract as well, which is a big commitment from them for a player who is 33 like me.”

“That was a huge factor because everybody showed me that they want me to be a part of the club, a part of the team. I spoke to the manager and I have to say that Mr Wenger presented with the ambitions and the project which I am really glad that I can be a part of.”

Cheslea manager Jose Mourinho made Thibaut Courtois his first choice goalkeeper last season, as Cech warmed the bench for most part of the year. But Cech insisted that there were no hard feelings between him and his former manager.

“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 added. “He had to make his decision at the start of last season, I had to make my decision at the start of this season.

“But I will always keep the best regards for him because I believe that we had so much success and so much respect for each other. He is one of the best managers in the world. Now, we will be opponents but it will not change our relationship, I believe.”

Petr Cech also blasted Chelsea fans who have threatened his life by saying that they are not ‘true fans’. Cech was abused on the social media by some Chelsea fans and was branded as a ‘traitor’ and a ‘snake’.

“The true fans have sent me messages that are pleasing and positive. True fans will appreciate what I’ve done and the legacy I’ve left”, Cech said in response to the life threats he had received. “There are some people who have left me negative messages, but they aren’t true Chelsea fans.”

Cech said that he is looking forward to a new start with a new team and wants to win titles with Arsenal, and believes that Arsenal have the squad that has the potential to challenge for the league title. “Arsenal matches my ambitions, they want to win trophies. I want to win the title, I wouldn’t be sincere if I didn’t admit that.”

“Only time will tell if I miss something, can’t forget those 11 years. I look forward to opening a new chapter. It’s a new start, a new motivation.”

Cech won four league titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, two FA Community Shields, one UEFA Europa League and one UEFA Champions League with Chelsea, and was voted the Chelsea Player of the Year in 2011, in addition to winning three Golden Gloves.