Petr Cech has conceded that he never expected to leave Chelsea.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper had been a virtual ever present following his arrival at Stamford Bridge from Rennes in 2004, but he fell down the pecking order behind Thibaut Courtois last term.

That change in circumstances has resulted in a move to Arsenal, which was finalised this afternoon, but Cech has revealed that he thought he would end his playing days with the champions.

"I thought this would never happen but it is time for me to say goodbye to Chelsea Football Club," he said in a statement.

"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."

Cech won numerous honours during his time with the Blues, including four Premier League titles and the Champions League once.