Petr signs new five-year contract with Chelsea

"It is an honour to be at a club like Chelsea and I am very happy to have renewed my contract with them," Petr said. "Chelsea has grown in my heart, not just because of my team-mates and all the people that work for the club but also because of their fantastic fans."

"I gave my first interview when I arrived at Chelsea in 2004 and I had said that it had been my dream to play for one of the best clubs in the world and in the best league in the world - this came true and I am very pleased my dream will last. Personally I have to say I cannot wait for the new season to start. I am confident that it will be a very successful season for all of us."

Scolari & Kenyon delighted with the deal...

The news of Čech"s deal is another boost for Luiz Felipe Scolari, the club"s manager, following the announcement of Wayne Bridge"s new contract last week and the recent capture of Deco, the Portuguese international.

"I am delighted that Petr has signed a new contract," Scolari said. "In my view he is the best goalkeeper in the world, so I am very pleased that he will remain with me at Chelsea."

Peter Kenyon, the chief executive, added: "I think everybody agrees with Felipe"s assessment that Petr is the best goalkeeper in the world so naturally we are very happy he has committed his long term future to us.

"He has been a key player in the club"s success in the last four years. He has also shown himself throughout this time to be a top professional and is a great ambassador for the club on and off the field."