Jose Mourinho has said that Chelsea have to "respect" Petr Cech's decision to move to Premier League rivals Arsenal.
The goalkeeper's move to the Emirates was confirmed earlier this week following months of speculation that the Czech international would be joining the Gunners.
The manager had said that he was keen to prevent the keeper from joining another English top-flight side, but he told the club's website: "Petr has been a great servant for Chelsea for 11 years and helped this club to win almost everything there is to win.
"I always said I wanted him to stay but I understand Petr needed to move on to play first-team football every week. Sometimes you have to respect the wishes of someone who has earned so much respect with his service and actions for your club.
"I support [Roman Abramovich's] decision to honour the player in this way. Petr's success at this club will always to be remembered and we thank him for everything he did."
Cech joined Chelsea from French side Rennes in 2004, and won four league titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, a Champions League and a Europa League title during his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
Sian Cowper
