Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admits he would understand if teammate Petr Cech left Stamford Bridge this summer.
Cech found first-team opportunities limited last season and made only six Premier League starts as Courtois became the regular No 1 following his return from a three-year loan spell at Atletico Madrid.
The 33-year-old Cech has been linked with a summer transfer with both Arsenal and Manchester United reported to be interested but Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho wants the Czech Republic goalkeeper to stay.
“Petr is a fantastic guy and I worked really well with him,” Courtois said in Cardiff where he is on international duty with Belgium.
“When you look at Petr’s quality there is no doubt that he is one of the best in the world and I think we pushed each other to a higher level.
“I think we have seen in the games for Chelsea that if I was not playing he was playing and he saved the team as well. So I think it was a very good year for Chelsea.
“If he stays I am happy. If he leaves I understand as well.”
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
FIXTURES
Saturday
5.30pm: Shabab Al Ahli v Al Wahda
5.30pm: Khorfakkan v Baniyas
8.15pm: Hatta v Ajman
8.15pm: Sharjah v Al Ain
Sunday
5.30pm: Kalba v Al Jazira
5.30pm: Fujairah v Al Dhafra
8.15pm: Al Nasr v Al Wasl
