Petr Cech: Has lost starting berth to Thibaut Courtois

Petr Cech acknowledges that, as he is under contract, any decision on his future rests in the hands of Chelsea.

Having lost his starting berth at Stamford Bridge to Thibaut Courtois, speculation has been building since the summer that Cech will soon be on his way to pastures new.

Given that he is still only 32 years of age, there would be no shortage of interest in his services were he to become available.

The Czech Republic international is, however, reluctant to speculate on what the January transfer window may bring.

For now, he remains fully committed to Chelsea and is prepared to let them decide when the time is right for a new challenge to be sought.

Cech told CTK: “Regarding my future at Chelsea, it depends entirely on the club.

“Everyone is asking me what if and what will happen. As a player, who has two years left on his contract, I cannot make the choice.

“It is simple. If the club says, ‘You are staying here’, then I will be staying. That’s why I’m staying.

“I can only leave if the club lets me go. And that is not the case.

“As a player with a two-year contract, I have absolutely no chance of influencing the wishes of the club.

“I am doing my best to change the situation. I want to play as often as possible and be prepared to be as good as possible for the fixtures what will come in the new year.

“To try and perform at my best is the only thing I can do.”