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Petr Cech has agreed to join Arsenal from Chelsea on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee, the Gunners announced on their official website yesterday.
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.
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said: “Petr Cech is a player that I’ve admired for a long time and I’m very pleased that he has decided to join us. 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.”
New signing Cech said: “I’m really excited about joining Arsenal Football Club and can’t wait to join up for pre-season. I’ve 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 has completed his medical and will join up with his new teammates shortly to begin preparations for the 2015/16 season.
Cech’s Arsenal squad number will be revealed soon through Arsenal’s official Instagram account.
Everyone at Arsenal would like to welcome Petr to the Club.
The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes. — Supersport
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