''Very happy to announce that I have signed with @Arsenal,'' the 33-year-old tweeted.The 33-year-old, who has signed what Arsenal describe as a "long-term contract", made more than 400 appearances in 11 years for the Blues. He decided to leave Stamford Bridge after losing his first-team spot to Thibaut Courtois.
Here's his personal letter below...
"I thought this would never happen but it is time for me to say goodbye to Chelsea Football Club," Cech wrote in a message on his personal Twitter account.
"The club I have lived every single minute for since joining in July 2004, the club in which I thought I'd hang my gloves and boots one day and finish my career. But life doesn't always turn out the way you think it will.
"Since 2004 it has been an incredibly journey with so many highs and not many lows. We have managed to win every single English trophy as well as the Europa League and the biggest of all -- Champions League. Looking back at all the achievements, including our first-ever league [and FA Cup] double in 2010, back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006, multiple EPL and FA Cup wins, I couldn't be more proud. As a team, we made history together.
"Last summer, things changed and I understood I was not the first-choice keeper but I felt it was not the right time for me to go. During the season it became clear that my situation would not improve and as I know I am not at the stage of my career where I want to be on the bench, I made my decision to move on and look for new challenges.
"The limited playing time gave me the chance to refresh and rest mentally as well as make me realise just how much I enjoy playing football at the highest level, because I missed it badly every game day I was not involved. I have the same commitment to football, the same motivation and the same hunger 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 the most challenging league in the world."
"I would personally like to thank everyone involved with Chelsea Football Club for their support -- all the players, staff, managers and all the coaching staff I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. Without them it would have impossible for us to have achieved such success.
"But most important of all, a huge thank you goes to all the Chelsea fans. I did everything for you, and you gave your love back. I'll never forget it. It will stay with me forever. We will meet again but this time I will be in the other goal. I hope you will remember our history and understand it is time for me to begin a new adventure."
Wishing "everybody at Chelsea Football Club all the best for the future," he wrote: "Thank you for an incredible 11 years."
Cech also thanked Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich for allowing him to join a Premier League rival.
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