Petr Cech expresses gratitude to Chelsea supporters after joining Arsenal

Petr Cech has bid farewell to Chelsea supporters following his move to Arsenal and has thanked Blues owner Roman Abramovich for giving the transfer his blessing.

The 33-year-old keeper has signed a long-term Contract with the Gunners, leaving Stamford Bridge after 11 years and over 400 appearances for the Blues.

He departs following 15 major honours, including four Premier League titles, but having seen himself last season usurped by Thibaut Courtois as Chelsea's undisputed No.1.

French champions Paris Saint-Germain were keen to take the Czech international to France, but Cech wanted to remain in the Premier League and has admitted himself "really excited" to be joining the Gunners.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wasn't keen on selling Cech to a Premier League rival, but in an open letter to supporters, Cech reveals why he wanted to stay in England, his thanks to Abramovich and that his decision has been almost 12 months in the making.

Petr Cech's open letter

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 though 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 not many 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 change and I understood I was no longer the 1st 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 move on and 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 and every game 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 the top quality players you face while playing the Premier League- simply the best and the most challenging in the world.

That’s why I spoke to Mr. Abramovich 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 club and for all of us.

I would like to personally thank everybody involved with Chelsea Football Club for the support - all the players, 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.

I wish everybody at Chelsea Football Club all the best for the new season and for the future. Thank you for an incredible 11 years.