Arsenal keeper Petr Cech is keen for the new season to begin, particularly with Liverpool as the opening day opponents.

Cech, who spoke to Sky Sports News HQ from his summer soccer academy in Prague, admitted the last campaign was a missed opportunity for Arsenal, who finished second to surprise champions Leicester City.

"We were disappointed," he said. "We thought that we were good enough to challenge for the title and to be in the title race until the last game. Unfortunately, Leicester did remarkably well and it was a historical achievement for them.

"We couldn't match them but we finished second which was the best finish for Arsenal for a long time. There were a lot of positives from our last campaign but obviously we would like to carry that on and improve for the next season because we finished empty-handed and that is not what we wanted.

"We started well with the Community Shield but obviously you want to add some important trophies to that. The aim for the next season is to add some silverware to the cabinet and we will definitely work for that."

"It's always nice to start with a big one because it brings all the excitement - doubles the excitement - from the players' point of view and everyone else's," added the 34-year-old.

"It's great to really have a test in the first game and then you can kick on your season if you start it the right way.

"Liverpool will be one of those teams who will want to challenge for the title, having played well with Jurgen Klopp after his arrival.

"We expect a big challenge because [Manchester] United have been improving their squad, they've changed their manager and they'll be hungry for success.

"Man City with their new manager will do the same thing and let's not forget Liverpool and Spurs and us, I think it will be a very exciting season and will be very challenging for many reasons. Chelsea will definitely be there with Antonio Conte.

"We're in for an exciting season."