Petr Cech has thanked Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich for allowing him to move to Arsenal.

Cech, who signed a four-year deal, was given the green light to join the Gunners after Abramovich overruled Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

The 33-year-old said: “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 – simply the best and most challenging league in the world.

“That's why I spoke to Mr Abramovich about me staying in the Premier League and I'd like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for his support in this matter."