London: Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech’s transfer from Premier League champions Chelsea to local rivals Arsenal has been backed by the west London club’s manager Jose Mourinho.
Cech was Chelsea’s first-choice for 10 years but lost his place to Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois last season and joined Arsenal on Monday.
Mourinho said he would have preferred Cech, 33, to remain with Chelsea this season but with the player no longer number one choice and wanting a move, supports the decision.
He also thanked Cech for his part in the club’s success.
“Petr has been a great servant for Chelsea for 11 years and helped this club to win almost everything there is to win,” Mourinho told the club website (www.chelseafc.com) on Wednesday.
“I always said I wanted him to stay but I understand Petr needed to move on to play first team football every week.”
