Mourinho ready to thwart Cech Premier League suitors by complicating any prospective transfer
CHELSEA boss Jose Mourinho has hinted that he would complicate any attempt from a Premier League rival to sign goalkeeper Petr Cech by coveting an opposing player as compensation.
Cech has one year remaining on his existing contract at Stamford Bridge, but has been linked with a move away from the club after losing his place to Thibaut Courtois last season and being relegated to back-up status.
FA Cup winners Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in the 33-year-old Czech stopper, although Mourinho insists he will play hard-ball over a player he is loath to lose.
“At every club that is interested in Petr, I can find a player that I like in that team too,” said Mourinho.
The Portuguese acknowledges that he may have to accept an edict from owner Roman Abramovich over the future of Cech and concede to allowing the veteran keeper to leave as a reward for long service.
“My answer is not important because the owner is the owner, he is the person with the perspective I admire a lot, respect a lot,” added Mourinho. “He respects a lot of people who do important things for him.
“Since 2004 to 2014-15, Cech has had 10 years of success with the club, 10 years of unbelievable behaviour. I will have to accept any decision the owner has. I’m different. I have the same respect for Petr that everybody at the club has but my answer would be ‘no way’.”