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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho ‘supports’ Petr Cech’s move to Arsenal

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho ‘supports’ Petr Cech’s move to Arsenal

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insists he supports club owner Roman Abramovich's decision to allow Petr Cech to join Premier League rivals Arsenal.

The Czech Republic goalkeeper won 13 trophies in a ten-year spell as the Blues' number one glovesman, but completed a move across London on Monday after losing his starting place Thibaut Courtois last season.

Mourinho made no secret of his desire for the Blues hero to stay, rather than strengthen a rival, but respected Abramovich's decision to allow a “great servant” to choose his next destination, with Cech keen to remain in London.

"I support the owner's decision to honour the player in this way," Mourinho said on chelseafc.com.

"Petr has been a great servant for Chelsea for 11 years and helped this club to win almost everything there is to win.

"I always said I wanted him to stay but I understand Petr needed to move on to play first team football every week.

"Sometimes you have to respect the wishes of someone who has earned so much respect with his service and actions for your club.

"It is very rare in football to make a decision like this and for that reason I am proud of my club for making it.

"There are not many clubs in the world big enough to be able to make that decision.

"Petr's success at this club will always to be remembered and we thank him for everything he did."

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