Petr Cech leaves Chelsea: Blues pay tribute with gushing statement - 'Thanks for the memories Big Pete'

The goalkeeper has joined Arsenal for £11m

Petr Cech is unveiled as an Arsenal player (Getty Images/Arsenal)

Petr Cech has completed his transfer to Arsenal and with it ended an 11 year association with Chelsea that has coincided with the most successful period in the west London club's history.

The news of the deal going through will leave Chelsea fan in mourning at the departure of a true legend.

In conjunction with the announcement, Chelsea released a gushing tribute on their website entitled "Goodbye to a great".

"Natural ability coupled with dedication brings big rewards," it informed us.

In asking what made Cech such a great goalkeeper, it noted: "He is a deep thinker on the game and many other aspects of life, always looking for ways in which he can take his performances to another level."

It added: "As professional and helpful a person as you could wish to meet, he has been the perfect role model for young Chelsea players," and "It’s on pitches up and down the land and across continents that Blues supporters have had the pleasure of seeing Cech shine," and "By any measure his is undoubtedly the finest career a goalkeeper has had at the club, and one of the greatest of all time."

The statement wraps up: "Eleven special years provided by one special player.

"Thanks for the memories Big Pete, a true Chelsea legend."

To read it in full, click here. WARNING: A sick bag may be required.