Leonardo Oumarou (left), who played on loan at Chelsea from Lille.

In an e-mail to the club’s supporters on Sunday night, Cech said: “I’m not going to say anything at this stage, as I’m not going to get into legal details with this club. I am sorry that we have had to part ways.

“I’m not going to sit here and say anything to the media unless I have a discussion with the club.”

A spokesman for the Belgian club said the deal remains on and that they have not been informed by the Chelsea board. A spokesman for the Chelsea board said the club has not been in touch with Cech.

After the announcement, a tweet was posted from a number of Cech’s former clubs including Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan and Schalke to express their regret over the decision.

The move was expected to cost Cech around £11m, but is likely to end up nearer £12m.

Cech said he was saddened to leave Chelsea after four years at Stamford Bridge but added that he will continue to support Chelsea and the club’s players.

Media playback is not supported on this device Cech on move to Schalke

“I was in good time with Chelsea and the club, I’m very sad to go away,” he said.

“I left my home town and my team-mates had good expectations, but I wanted to stay with the club.

“My main priority right now is to get fit and I am looking forward to another opportunity with the Italian national team.”

Pep Guardiola, Chelsea’s new manager, has long been looking for a centre halves to replace Cech, and the Spaniard has been heavily linked with a move for Cech this summer.

Cech made over 100 appearances for the Blues, winning four European Cups, while playing in the Champions League 12 times and the Europa League once.

He was also part of the Belgian side that won Euro 2008 in Germany ahead of Lionel Messi.

“The team is doing really well,” said Cech.

“It’s a club that has a history of winning things. The club has many great players and everybody is excited.”

Mauricio Pochettino will be looking to make the best of the 34 years he has spent at Chelsea, having signed the former goalkeeper for