Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech has claimed that he would not have left Chelsea to join their London rivals if he was unsure that the Gunners could win the Premier League. The North Londoners currently sit on top of the Premier League table after a fine run of form which has seen them win four of their last six Premier League fixtures.
The former Chelsea shot-stopper was bought by Arsenal for £10 million in the summer transfer window on a four-year long contract. He has since been the mainstay between the sticks for Arsenal and also broke Premier League’s most clean sheets record which was held by former England shot-stopper David James. The Czech Republic international earned his 170th clean sheet in Arsenal's recent 2-0 win over Bournemouth.
The 33-year-old revealed that it was hard for him to leave Chelsea, with whom he spent 11 years and won various accolades including four Premier Leagues and a UEFA Champions League title. Although, he added that he knew he was going to a team which had the ability to win the league title.
“It was not an easy decision but I always wanted to go to a team which could win.”
“If I didn’t believe that I was going to a team which could win then I don’t know why I would come.”
“I play football, not to only enjoy it and I love the challenge of playing and competing with the best players, but I want to have the chance to win games,” he said.
The league is very interesting this season: Cech
Arsenal are looking to lay their hands on the Premier League trophy after a barren run of more than 11 years. The fact that they go into the new year lying on top of the pile and other top teams not performing at the level they are expected to only strengthens the Gunner’s bid for the PL title.
Cech reiterated the emotions of all the Gooners out there that the team has the credentials to hold on to their position and go on to win the League.
“I believe this team has the qualities to win games and hopefully we will manage to go all the way in the league. It’s a very difficult and long run but I believe this team has the capabilities of doing it.”
“We are in a good position, we are in the mix of the teams who will play to win the title so we want to stay in that position for as long as possible and every time we have a chance to improve our position then we would love to do it.”
“The league is very interesting this year because the table keeps changing every other week.”
“But as long as we are there in March and are in a position where we can win the league then it’s fine as it will only depend on us,” he signed off.
The Czech stopper also revealed that he can speak five languages (Czech, English, French, Spanish and German) and makes sure he communicates with all his teammates.
“I speak to the full-backs in Spanish, to Koscielny in French and to Per in English because for him it is the same as me. He organises people in English. Sometimes foreign players wouldn’t know what you say. That’s when you realise it’s easier to say it in their language than hoping they will understand. It can happen,” he said.