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THE NEW GOONER . . . Petr Cech proudly shows off his new Arsenal jersey after he officially joined the English Premiership club yesterday

LONDON. – Petr Cech has agreed to join Arsenal from Premier League champions Chelsea on a “long-term contract for an undisclosed fee”, the Gunners announced on their website yesterday.

The move was sanctioned by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, despite Jose Mourinho having doubts over allowing the player to join a title rival.

The 33-year-old Czech international goalkeeper made more than 400 appearances during 11 years at Stamford Bridge but has recently found himself playing understudy to Thibault Courtois.

Cech made over 400 appearances during 11 years at Stamford Bridge, winning multiple club and personal honours. He also won the English Premier League Golden Glove award on three occasions.

Although Chelsea were reluctant to let Cech join one of their rivals, the Czech Republic international was assured he could choose his preferred destination after his service to the club.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said Cech was one of the outstanding keepers in the world and would be a great addition to the Gunners squad.

Wenger told the club’s website yesterday: “Petr Cech is a player that I have admired for a long time and I am very pleased that he has decided to join us. He has proven over many seasons that he is one of the outstanding keepers in the world and he will add great strength to our squad.”

A seven-time Czech Footballer of the Year, Cech has 114 caps for his country. He joined Chelsea from Rennes in 2004 as Jose Mourinho took charge at Stamford Bridge for the first time.

Cech told the Arsenal website he was eager to join the club following talks with Wenger, saying: “I’m really excited about joining Arsenal Football Club and can’t wait to join up for pre-season. I have the same commitment to football, the same motivation and the same hunger for success as I had at the beginning of my career, and I love the challenges brought by the top quality players you face while playing in the Premier League. When Arsène Wenger spoke to me about his ambitions for this club, and how he saw me as part of this team, the decision was clear.”

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny also welcomed Cech to the club and wrote on his Facebook wall yesterday: “Petr Cech, welcome to Arsenal FC! Delighted to have a chance to learn from one of the best GK’s in the world!” A seven-time Czech Footballer of the Year, Cech made his international debut in 2002. He currently has 114 caps for his country – four short of countryman Karel Poborsky’s all-time record.

Cech’s Arsenal squad number will be revealed soon through Arsenal’s official Instagram account. – AFP.