Soccer

Petr Cech hints at Chelsea exit

Goalkeeper second choice since the arrival of Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge

Petr Cech of Chelsea replaces Thibaut Courtois during the 2-0 win over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
Petr Cech of Chelsea replaces Thibaut Courtois during the 2-0 win over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
Wed Oct 08 2014 - 11:57

Petr Cech has heavily suggested he will look to leave Chelsea in the near future if he remains second choice to Thibault Courtois.

After more than 10 years and almost 500 appearances at the Blues, including over 150 clean sheets, Cech was dropped by Jose Mourinho at the start of this season.

Belgium goalkeeper Courtois (22) was preferred having enjoyed three successful seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid, meaning Cech has played just twice for the Blues this term and only 66 minutes in the Premier League.

And Cech told Czech Radio: “I think they know me well enough at Chelsea to know that the situation is definitely not the way I would imagine.

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”With the European Championships in 2016 and the national team in mind, there is no time for me to sit on the bench and not to play. I have not spoken to anybody at the club but if the situation will not start to improve for me then I will want to solve it.”

Cech replaced Courtois in the win over Arsenal on Saturday after the Belgian suffered a blow to the head in a collision with Alexis Sanchez.

Courtois’ injury is not thought to be serious, however, and he is expected to train with Belgium on Thursday before taking part in their upcoming European qualifiers against Andorra and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Cech moved to Stamford Bridge from French club Rennes in 2004, subsequently making 481 appearances and winning the Champions League, three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League.