Petr Cech: Joins Arsenal

Arsenal have signed Petr Cech from Chelsea on a long-term contract for a fee Arsenal did not disclose, but which pundits put at 10 million pounds.

The 33 year old Cech had completed his medical on Friday.

“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, ” said Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger.

“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,” Wenger added.

Cech said: “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 Arsène Wenger spoke to me about his ambitions for this club, and how he saw me as part of this team, the decision was clear.”

The 33-year-old goalkeeper made over 400 appearances during 11 years at Stamford Bridge, winning multiple club and personal honours. He also won the Premier League Golden Glove award on three occasions.

A seven-time Czech Footballer of the Year, Cech made his international debut in 2002. He currently has 114 caps for his country – four short of countryman Karel Poborsky’s all-time record.

Cech began his career in the Czech Republic with Chmel Blsany, before moving to Sparta Prague. He joined Rennes in France in 2002, before arriving in the Premier League with Chelsea in 2004.