After weeks of speculation, Chelsea FC legend Petr Cech has signed for the London clubs city rivals Arsenal FC in a move worth £10 million.
Rumour mills were buzzing even before the season ended about the record breaking goal-keeper’s future at Stamford Bridge, with some claiming that the star goalie will leave for French giants PSG.
But Cech who had joined Chelsea in 2004 from Rennes, chose to stay in London and continue playing the Premier League.
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Cech was allowed to leave for direct rivals in honor of his service and legacy at the club by owner Roman Abramovich.
Cech has signed a four-year contract with the Gunners, worth £100,000-per-week.
Arsenal management and fans were delighted to sign one of the best goal-keepers in the world for a comparatively bargain price, a move that will most likely strengthen the North-London-based club’s quest for the league title next season.
Petr Cech posted an emotional letter for the Chelsea fans and management, thanking them for the support he received during his 11-year stay at the club.
My personal message to @ChelseaFC fans pic.twitter.com/NYPD34Vuag
— Petr Cech (@PetrCech) June 29, 2015
Chelsea FC official twitter account posted a picture message for the former jersey number 1 player.
Goodbye to a Chelsea great. http://t.co/0LSZyn5UnA#ThankYouPetrpic.twitter.com/4dxzfnFaPM
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 29, 2015
Moments after the huge announcement, tributes started pouring in for the departing legend by the Blue fans around the world.
Helmet on his Head Padding on his Chin We Love Petr Cech Cos he lets no Goals In! #ThankYouPetr for all the great Memories! @PetrCech
— Chelsea India (@ChelseaIndia) June 29, 2015
Reaction to Cech officially leaving #ThankYouPetr #CFC pic.twitter.com/KGslRqkEkM
— Josh Keeler (@joshkeeler4) June 29, 2015
Some thanked the legend for his contributions, others said “If big Pete’s happy, I’m happy”
If big pete’s happy, I’m happy ???#ThankYouPetrpic.twitter.com/GcbTw1FVO6 — CISCRegionalSurabaya (@CISCsurabaya) June 29, 2015
Videos and Vines of some of the greatest saves of his Chelsea career went viral on social media, with this save from the 2012 Champions League Final being the fan favorite.
God bless @PetrCech for this… #ThankYouPetr https://t.co/oBXATfBiKT — CHAMPIONS (@CHEL5EAfc) June 29, 2015
What a superb save this was by @PetrCech against Bolton in 2005… #ThankYouPetrhttps://t.co/WG06Km1uNK
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 29, 2015
Chelsea will surely miss the goalkeeper who was one of the strongest pillars of the team in the last decade and the architect of the greatest night in the clubs history, ‘the 2012 UCL final’, but the club and owners showed immense class by letting the player go to a direct rival to respect his service and loyalty towards the club.