Čech happy to carry on at Chelsea

Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Čech "cannot wait for the new season to start" after signing a new five-year contract at Chelsea FC.

Vote of confidence
The 26-year-old's new deal will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2013, and the former Stade Rennais FC player was excited at the prospect of the club's first season under new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. "It is an honour to be at a club like Chelsea and I am happy to have renewed my contract," he said. "I cannot wait for the new season to start. I am confident that it will be a very successful season for all of us."

Chelsea achievements
The former FK Chmel Blšany and AC Sparta Praha No1 joined Chelsea from Rennes in 2004 and has made 115 league appearances since, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups. He also helped Chelsea reach the final of the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League where they lost out on penalties to English rivals Manchester United FC. The Blues will play in the group stage of this season's competition after finishing second in the Premier League last season.

Asian tour
Čech will now link up with new coach Scolari on Chelsea's pre-season tour of Asia. "I am delighted that Petr has signed a new contract," said the former Brazil and Portugal coach. "In my view he is the best goalkeeper in the world, so I am very pleased that he will remain with me at Chelsea." Frank Lampard has also travelled to Asia despite persistent rumours linking him with a move to FC Internazionale Milano, but striker Didier Drogba has not.