Cech : Arsenal rejected me

[Madmax 9,219]

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has revealed that Arsenal passed up the chance to sign him in 2002, suggesting the Gunners felt he was not good enough for life in the Premier League.

Cech, 28, has become one of the finest keepers in world football during his seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge, but he could have been plying his trade in north rather than west London had things panned out differently.

The Czech Republic international was watched by Arsenal's scouts while he was at Sparta Prague but they were put off by him not qualifying for a work permit and he ended up heading to French side Rennes.

The work permit may have been a stumbling block, but Cech has suggested Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was informed by his scouting network that the keeper was not good enough.

"Before I went to Rennes I was watched by Arsenal but when I couldn't get a work permit the situation was missed," Cech is quoted as saying in The Sun.

"And at the last minute I think the person who was the chief scout at Arsenal didn't think I was good enough for the English league. So in the end it didn't happen."

Chelsea have put themselves back in the title race with a strong run of form and Cech is looking for the Blues to continue the forward momentum.

"We're more secure at the back and we still have the opportunity to catch Manchester United if they start dropping points," he said. "We are still dependent on all the others. But we have to win, win, win, keep the pressure on.

"What is essential for a club like Chelsea is to have the stature of a club playing in the Champions League next season.

"We have some big games coming up and there are teams around us who are battling for it as well."

Soccernet

[Ollie 4,400]

I'm sure Arse fans would love to know that... lol

[Madmax 9,219]

Why thank you, Arsene!

Cech = £7 million? Bargain of the century :cfc:

[Ollie 4,400]

Didn't Arsene reject Drogba as well?

And all the Arse fans say he's the best manager for finding young talent lol. yeah.. oops.

Arsene 'Voyeur' Wenger = Fail

Edited March 23, 2011 by OllieCFC

[eldo 868]

Loooooooooooooooool.

Flappy, Woj and Almunia fit to their standards?

[Madmax 9,219]

Didn't Arsene reject Drogba as well?

And all the Arse fans say he's the best manager for finding young talent lol. yeah.. oops.

Arsene 'Voyeur' Wenger = Fail

They missed out on Ronaldo as well ... then United got him.

[NattyBlue 44]

I refuse to believe this, if arsenal were in for such players they would surely sign them because wenger is a genius! idiots!!!!

[BlueLion. 21,491]

FUCKING LOL, SO THEY HAVE MANUEL ALUMINIUM, JENS LEMON, CHESNEY AND FLAPPYHANDSKI LOOOOOOOOOOOOL

[Badboy 1,526]

I hate all these stupid stories, '' Chelsea were on the verge of signing Leo Messi the day he was born''

[Milan 17,853]

this should be in a joke topic one of a few things we can thank Arsenal for lol

[Cosmin 2,484]

Who needs Cech when you can have Almunia?!

[LDN Blue 7,903]

LMAO!

Wenger you total

[Guest justin_3d]

And we have let go of other talents as well in the past.

Every club does this.

So this is ridiculous.

[TomCFC 356]

Their loss. Cheers Arsenal.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

And we have let go of other talents as well in the past.

Every club does this.

So this is ridiculous.

Haha yeah, but it's funnier because it's Wenger & look at his goal keeping situation now

[Tomo 21,733]

I really cant take any one seriously when they say Wenger is good for young talent. How many talents have really benefited from Wenger ? Ashley Cole the only one, look at Aliadiere for example he looked like another Henry now look at him, Hoyte looked the future England RB now look at him, he's at Boro aint he? I remember watcing Arsenal in the carling cup in 04/05 they beat Everton 3-1 and the likes of Stack, Hoyte, Lupoli, Alliedere and i can remember a line "if this is the future of Arsenal football club we should all be very afraid".

7 years on Stack is no2 keeper at Hibs after only playing 5 games for Plymouth and not featuring on loan for Blackpool or Wolves. Hoyte is struggling to get games for Middles borough, Lupoli is playing for Italian Serie B side Ascoli after not making a SINGLE appearance for Fiorentina in 2 years (large parts spent out on loan), Alliadiere is a free agent.

Yes we should be very afraid

[Ollie 4,400]

Dont forget Francis Jeffers

[Tomo 21,733]

Dont forget Francis Jeffers

I saw him play on trial for Blackpool against Accrington in a freindly match down Torrington (North Devon), he was shite and in the defenders back pocket all game, will be expecting to see the "next big things" Lansbury and Emanuel Thomas down there in a few years