Courtois: I'd understand Cech exit

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admits he would understand if team-mate Petr Cech left Stamford Bridge this summer.

Cech found first-team opportunities limited last season and made only six Barclays Premier League starts as Courtois became the regular number one following his return from a three-year loan spell at Atletico Madrid.

The 33-year-old Cech has been linked with a summer transfer with both Arsenal and Manchester United reported to be interested but Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho wants the Czech Republic goalkeeper to stay.

Petr Cech

“Petr is a fantastic guy and I worked really well with him,” Courtois said in Cardiff where he is on international duty with Belgium.

“When you look at Petr’s quality there is no doubt that he is one of the best in the world and I think we pushed each other to a higher level.

“I think we have seen in the games for Chelsea that if I was not playing he was playing and he saved the team as well. So I think it was a very good year for Chelsea.

“If he stays I am happy. If he leaves I understand as well.”