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Arsenal veteran Mathieu Flamini is thankful Jose Mourinho allowed Petr Cech to join Arsenal, saying the club have been granted a “favour” and are now in a strong position to challenge for the title. He admitted he was rather shocked the deal went through and says Cech brings a wealth of experience and winning pedigree to the side.
“I was surprised by Mourinho because he really doesn’t do that,” said the Arsenal midfielder, quoted in a Sky Sports report.
“He’s a competitor and usually doesn’t like to sell any players to his rivals, but it’s a good favour for us and now we have to take advantage. It’s a top signing. That’s why we have been lucky on this one.”
“It’s very important. Not only for his quality but also for his character. When you play at the top level, the leaders on the pitch make the difference. Not only when things go well but especially when things go bad. So, for us, Petr Cech is a top signing. He is someone with character, someone with a winning mentality.”
The Frenchman has enjoyed two separate stints with Arsenal, and says that this current squad is a much stronger and more focused one. Although Cech is the only signing made to the senior side this summer, Flamini believes the squad has been strengthened internally by keeping the core players together.
“I can feel Arsenal now is different to the club I left in 2008. I don’t think any of the key players left in the last two years. It’s a great example.”
“And each year we have added quality players like Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech. These are players who can make the difference at any moment. So I think we have a very good chance.”
Always good to hear the lads in confident mood ahead of the season. Let’s just hope it translates onto the pitch. As for Arsenal’s “favour,” Cech, he is of course in line to meet his old team this weekend in the Community Shield clash with Chelsea. Some debut that is, and a chance to show his old side what they missed out on.
