Petr Cech has announced his arrival at Arsenal by making it clear he intends to almost win a number of trophies before ultimately falling short.
Cech, who won a number of important honours at Chelsea, plus four FA Cups, told journalists that his relentless success at Stamford Bridge had left him jaded and he was running out of places to put his medals.
"I've won titles almost every year I've been here, the time is right to say enough is enough," Cech said. "At this stage in my career I need a new challenge that involves coming second, third or, best of all, fourth.
The Czech Republic international denied that he was betraying a lack of ambition by moving from west to north London, insisting that ambition came in various guises, and that he was mostly looking forward to owning a boat one day.
"Winning isn't everything," the 33-year-old told FFT. "And I'm delighted to have joined a club that agrees."
He added that he could probably find space for a Fair Play award, and an Emirates Cup participation certificate, but that he was now intending to use his time at Arsenal to concentrate on whittling, home-brewing his own beer, and learning the saxophone.
Mikel Arteta said: "Petr knows all about winning trophies, and he's told us to forget about that and reflect instead that nothing in life beats drinking a fine bottle of wine with friends while watching the stars.
"He could be the player to take us to the next level. By which I mean the level of consciousness that medals and cups can bring only fleeting pleasure, and that true fulfilment comes only from within."
