Cech - The importance of my first game

Petr Cech says playing in the Barclays Asia Trophy will help him adapt to life at Arsenal.

The goalkeeper could make his first appearance for the club in Singapore after he was named in Arsène Wenger’s 27-man squad for the visit to the Far East.

Cech intends to use the trip as an opportunity to gel with his team-mates both on and off the pitch.

“I’m really looking forward to starting training and being a part of the team,” he told Arsenal Player. “It’s always the first step.

“The first game is very important for me so [I want to] get that under my belt as soon as possible. To get that feeling of how it is to be part of the team [is important] and it’s my first chance to get to know everybody.

“I think [the tour is] important because as a team you want to win games. Although you work hard on fitness in pre-season, it’s always good to get wins so if you can go and win your first few games and get used to winning, it’s the best thing.

“I’m looking forward to that because it’s the first opportunity to get that winning feeling at the start of the season.”

The goalkeeper is also excited about playing in front of Arsenal’s Asia-based fans.

“I have had such a fantastic welcome from every Arsenal fan all over the world," he said. "I don’t know what to expect but I’m really looking forward to it.”