Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that he would not let Petr Cech leave the club if it was up to him. The 32-year old goalkeeper, who turns 33 this week, is being linked with a potential summer move to Premier League rivals Arsenal as he does not want to remain as back-up for Thibaut Courtois.

The final decision lies with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich but Mourinho said if he had his way, he would not allow Cech to depart Stamford Bridge for such a close competitor.

"If it's in my hands he would never go, would never go to big clubs with fantastic teams. Big candidates to win the Premier League. I would never let him go," he said on talkSPORT's 'Alan Brazil Spots Breakfast' show.

"But it's not in my hands. My perfect scenario is that he stays with us, I think he belongs to this club, this club belongs to his history and to his life, too.

"He is a fantastic keeper, fantastic dressing room and squad man. I tried to prove the respect I have for him. I played him in the cups, gave him matches in the Premier League.

"I can imagine that a 32 or 33 year old keeper feels young and feels the passion to play every game."