Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech has revealed that leaving Chelsea was a very hard decision but that he had to leave after losing his regular place at Stamford Bridge.
The Czech Republic international left the Blues after 11 years at the club and could face his old team-mates in August when Arsenal take on Chelsea for the Community Shield.
He is Arsene Wenger's first summer signing with Arsenal clearly sending a signal of their intent to rivals ahead of the new season.
"It was probably the hardest decision for me to go, but last year I realised that I am not in a phase of my career when I would sit on the bench," Cech told Arsenal's official website.
"I want to be playing, I want to have a chance to compete for my position in the team and I want to be useful for the team and do the usual stuff on the pitch week in, week out.
"I hope I will have that possibility to compete for my place here at Arsenal and I hope that I can bring something a little extra to the team that can help.
"I have to say, having been with Chelsea for 11 years and having so much success and great memories, I guess it will be a very strange feeling to be on the other side [in the Community Shield].
"Once you’re on the pitch, you play for your team and you want to win.
"During the year you can play against friends, you can play against big friends and close friends but once you are on the pitch, this friendship goes away and you just focus on winning the game."
