Jose Mourinho’s former assistant manager Steve Clarke believes Petr Cech‘s transfer to London rivals Arsenal is ‘killing’ the Chelsea manager, Metro Sport reports.
The Czech Republic ended his highly successful 11 years with the West London outfit to move across the city to the Gunners in a deal worth a reported £11million fee last month and went against the wishes of Mourinho, who suggested on numerous occasions towards the end of the season that he was reluctant to sell to a direct rival.
But given Cech’s relationship with Blues owner Roman Abramovich, he was allowed to join the club of his choice and with a preference to stay in the capital to avoid uprooting his family abroad, the 33-year-old decided to stay in England and sign for the Gunners.
There has been unconfirmed reports that Mourinho was furious that arch-enemy Arsene Wenger was able to complete a deal for the keeper and Clarke feels the Portuguese will struggle to accept the fact that Cech has strengthened a rival for the Premier League title.
“For me, he’s still one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” Clarke said.
“He’s a great signing for Arsenal.”
“I smile a bit when I see Jose’s comments because I know inside it will be killing him having to sell one of his best players to a title rival,” Clarke added.
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Cech made his first appearance for the Gunners in their Barclays Asia Trophy final game against Everton last Saturday and pulled off a stunning save in the first half to give supporters a glimpse of his brilliant shot-stopping qualities.