Former Chelsea FC defender Graeme Le Saux has applauded his club for allowing Petr Cech to join rivals . Arsenal FC this summer.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper joined Arsenal after 11 successful seasons in the Premier League with the Blues. Cech joined Chelsea in 2004 from French club Rennes and went on to win four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and A Champions League. Chelsea received a fee of A?10 million as the Czech international signed a four-year contract with the Gunners.
Jose Mourinho was unwilling to sell Cech to a direct rival, but Roman Abramovich agreed to this move, as he respected Cecha s wish after his long and loyal service to the club. Cech was unwilling to move away from London and the appeal of being the number one for another top Premier League club sealed the deal.
Graeme Le Saux feels that his former club have done the right thing by allowing Cech to sign for Arsenal. He feels that it was a just reward for his loyalty to the club for such a long period. The 46-year-old insisted that this addition has strengthened Arsenala s squad significantly and they will challenge for the title next season.
“It was a very grown up thing for Chelsea to do. It shows the huge respect they have for Petr.
“He still has a massive amount to offer and they were willing in the end to sell him to one of their main rivals.
“So that’s Chelsea repaying his loyalty to the club as he was the best keeper in the Premier League, if not in the world, for a long period.
“Hea s a fantastic ambassador for the sport as well and hea s still got a lot to offer, so hea s a great signing for Arsenal too.
“Hea s in a key position for them. Arsenal have strengthened their squad, still have a few positions to fill, but are title challengers.” a The former Chelsea defender said while speaking in an event in London.