Former Chelsea FC assistant manager Steve Clarke has said that watching Chelsea FC legend Petr Cech play for Arsenal FC would be ‘killing’ Jose Mourinho.
Petr Cech signed for rivals Arsenal FC from Chelsea FC last month in a A?10 million move, which was sanctioned by the Blues owner Roman Abrahimovic, against the wishes of manager Jose Mourinho, who was unwilling to say the least, to let his prized asset move to a direct rivals. However, keeping in mind the 11-long years of distinguished service by the Czech international, the Russian billionaire granted the 33-year-old’s desire to stay in London and play for The Gunners.
“I know inside it will be killing him”- Steve Clarke on Mourinho
The former Chelsea FC assistant, who had worked under Mourinho, spoke about the quality of the 33-year-old keeper, and how much it must hurt Mourinho, to see his prized asset turn up in rival colors. Cech recently made his debut for new club Arsenal FC in the finals of the Barclays Asia Trophy against Everton, which the Gunners comfortably won 3-1.
He said: “For me, he’s still one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
“He’s a great signing for Arsenal.
“I smile a bit when I see Jose’s comments [over the sale of Cech, which has been tempered] because I know inside it will be killing him having to sell one of his best players to a title rival.”
The Reading manager, however, is not the only one to praise the shot-stopper and Arsenal FC’s incredible piece of business in signing him. His former team-mates including John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and Nemanja Matic all have commented on the transfer.
Will Petr Cech be the final piece of the puzzle for Arsenal FC?
Petr Cech was shunted to the bench last season, by Mourinho, who preferred the younger Thibaut Courtois as his No. 1 at Stamford Bridge. This prompted the 33-year-old to consider his options, as he was not yet ready to play second-fiddle to another keeper. The Gunners who have lacked a World Class presence in between the sticks for some years now, pounced on the opportunity and signed the Czech international.
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The Gunners have lingered in the top 4 for some-time now, without actually challenging for the title. With a stable and settled squad at their disposal, and the addition of Cech in one of their most inconsistent departments, now the Emirates outfit may finally be ready to compete at the top.
Cech has already made his debut for his new club, however, the real test for him and his new club, might be in his competitive debut which is likely to be against his former side, Chelsea FC in the FA Community Shield game on 2nd August. If the Gunners do manage to win it, it coule be the first of many victories for Arsene Wenger over Jose Mourinho.