Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that he could be powerless to prevent Petr Cech from joining a Premier League rival, with the 32-year-old linked heavily with us in the past few weeks, The Telegraph reports.
The report suggests that Cech is set to depart Stamford Bridge following his 11-year stay in West London, after losing his first team place to Thibaut Courtois this season.
Given his age, Cech is still more than capable of playing at the top-level. He has produced some stunning performances this campaign, despite being used sparingly by Mourinho.
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However, the Portuguese coach is adamant that Cech wouldn’t be allowed to join a Premier League club – if it were his choice.
“For me, decision number one, Petr will stay. After that, second point to go but not in England,” Mourinho told reporters, via The Telegraph.
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“The option I don’t want is for him to go to an English club. But, I repeat, I am just the manager and he means so much for this club and what he did in this club I think he deserves everything.
“If the club decision is different to mine I will accept it.”
Mourinho’s comments are interesting, and are a complete change from his previous take on Cech’s future. He originally claimed that the legendary ‘keeper “deserves special perspective” (via The Telegraph) after hinting that he’ll allow his reliable lieutenant to choose his own future.
The fact he’s now changed his opinion suggests that Mourinho is very anxious about the possibility of Cech coming to us, and has moved to distance himself from the club’s decision.
Taking a world class player from a direct rival would be a massive statement of intent and a huge step in the right direction.
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