Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has described Petr Cech as "one of the best in the world" but said he could understand why he might leave Stamford Bridge.
Courtois, 23, displaced the 33-year-old Cech as the club's No. 1 last season and produced a string of fine performances as Jose Mourinho's Blues won the Premier League title.
Czech international Cech, frustrated by his lack of playing time, has been linked with a move to London rivals Arsenal, and Courtois said he had helped him to raise his game.
"When you look at the quality of Petr there is no doubt that he is one of the best in the world," the Daily Mail quoted the Belgium international as saying.
"Our relationship in training was really good. I think we pushed each other to a higher level, and I think we have seen in the games for Chelsea that if I was not playing he was playing and he saved the team as well.
"For me, he is a fantastic guy. I worked really well with him. Of course I am grateful for the year that we had.
"If he stays, I am happy. If he leaves I understand as well."