PETR CECH HAS finalised his move from Chelsea to Arsenal on a long-term deal.
The goalkeeper joins the Gunners for an undisclosed fee after passing a medical on Friday and completing the necessary paperwork this afternoon.
The 33-year-old spent 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge but after losing his place to Thibaut Courtois last season, decided now was the time to move on and seek a new challenge.
“I’m really excited about joining Arsenal Football Club and can’t wait to join up for pre-season,” he told the club’s website.
“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.”
Cech moved to the Premier League from Rennes in 2004 and won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League.
Prior to Cech’s move across London, Blues captain John Terry said he would improve the Gunners, who finished third in the Premier League last season, by 12 to 15 points.
Jose Mourinho was reluctant to sell the Czech international to a Premier League rival but owner Roman Roman Abramovich reportedly sanctioned the transfer in recognition of the service he gave to the Blues.
“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,” Wenger said. “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 expected to slot straight into the Arsenal side with the future of Colombian shot stopper David Ospina, who only moved to the Emirates last year, uncertain.
Wojciech Szczesny and Emiliano Martinez are the other goalkeepers currently on the books at the North London club.
Cech’s shirt number will be announced in due course.
