Eden engineers dramatic departure

'Amazing career'

Facing the team where he spent his best years, Cech bowed out with some good saves but ultimately a runner-up medal.

"It's disappointing to have lost the final and especially now. It was the last game of my career and you want to finish on a high, but I had an amazing career," said the former Czech Republic international, who holds a number of goalkeeping records, including the most shutouts in a single Premier League season (24).

"I have to say I have done everything, so I can look back and have no regrets."

Cech won the Champions League and four Premier League titles at Chelsea and there have been reports linking him with a return to Stamford Bridge in an administrative role.

"There is a lot of speculation about Chelsea and all these things," he said.

"I wanted to lift the trophy and sit down and think. Until June 30 I am an Arsenal player. Until that point I won't decide anything."

Cech moved across London to Arsenal in 2015 and predicts a positive future for the Gunners under coach Unai Emery.

"I can assure everybody who supports us the work we have done during the season will come next season and this team will be much stronger," he said.

Arsenal now faces a third consecutive campaign outside the Champions League, which could hurt its ability to attract transfer targets in the summer.

"We need the same players, the same idea, maybe also to add some new players," said Emery, a three-time Europa League winner with Sevilla.

"But it's the same way we've done this year, to do one step more. I think next year a lot of players who played the first time this year with us can be better."