Cech dismisses abusive Chelsea supporters as not 'true' fans after Arsenal move

New Arsenal signing Petr Cech smiles during his press conference in Prague, Czech Republic

Petr Cech has been on the receiving end of threats and abuse from many Blues fans since his departure from Stamford Bridge, but the new Arsenal keeper is only interested in what the ‘true’ Chelsea fans have to say. The 33-year-old completed his £10m transfer to Arsenal on Monday after months of speculation, ending a powerful alliance that has seen both parties win plenty of silverware during their time together.

The Czech Republic international was displaced from his position in the starting lineup by Belgian Thibaut Courtois, and played only 16 games for the Blues last season, picking up a League title and the Capital One Cup. The lack of regular football made him rethink his future, and he called the decision to leave the West Londoners ‘the hardest decision’.

Following his move to Arsenal, Cech posted a lengthy letter to the Chelsea supporters on Twitter and thanked them for their support through the years. While Chelsea have wished their former goalkeeper well and have thanked him repeatedly for his 11 years of service, there were a few fans who vented their frustration on social media by issuing threats and abuses to the Czech player.

Speaking at a conference in Prague, he told the press: "It has been overwhelming, really. The message from my now ex team-mates and the Chelsea fans - the true Chelsea fans - was overwhelming.”

"The true fans have sent me messages that are pleasing and positive," said Cech. "True fans will appreciate what I've done and the legacy I've left. There are some people who have left me negative messages, but they aren't true Chelsea fans," he said.

He went on to add, “Obviously the messages from the Arsenal fans and my new team-mates I am really delighted with. In that way, I really feel that the club wanted me and I feel really welcome and I feel that I made the right choice.”

Cech had only one year remaining on his contract at Chelsea and despite Jose Mourinho not wanting him to their London rivals, owner Roman Abramovich overruled the manager and granted the keeper the move he wanted.

Speaking about the Chelsea owner, he said: “I am very grateful and it means a lot to me to have the word from the man who without him Chelsea wouldn't have been in the position it is now.

I believe he doesn't get enough credit for what he is doing for the club. To have his word and his permission to stay in the Premier League to play for Arsenal, it means a lot to me and it shows great respect for what I have done and what I have achieved at Chelsea Football Club. I am really grateful for that."