Football
Kevin Palmer 9y

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech wants to play until he's 40

Petr Cech believes he can play at the highest level for another seven years after completing his move across London from Chelsea to Arsenal.

At the age of 33, Cech is relishing the chance to start a new chapter in his career and he has told the Evening Standard that he has plans to perform at the top of the game until his 40th birthday.

"I don't want to speak about retirement for another seven years. That's my target and then I will see," the Czech Republic keeper said. "In football you never know what's round the corner and retirement is something I don't plan."

Cech went on to confirm he did not envisage making a move to one of Chelsea's local rivals this summer, with Blues boss Jose Mourinho confirming he would have been keen to block the transfer if possible.

The intervention of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is said to have been crucial in allowing Cech to remain in London for the sake of his family, with the man at the centre of the transfer relishing the chance to start anew at Arsenal.

"You can have a plan, but sometimes, it doesn't turn out the way you want," he added. "This move is one of those things I didn't expect, but I'm glad it happened.

"I'm just looking forward to my new challenge. I'll just go in, do my work and show I am worthy of a place."

Cech has confirmed he has not been assured of a first-team starting place at Arsenal, with David Ospina and Wojciech Szczesny also vying for the No. 1 jersey in Arsene Wenger's lineup next season.

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