Legendary Premier League goalie Petr Cech announces retirement
What's the story
The English Premier League is set to lose one of its veterans as legendary goalkeeper Petr Cech has announced that he will drop the curtain on his football career at the end of this season. Cech is a Chelsea legend who played with the Blues from 2004 to 2015 and won numerous trophies with them. Here are the details.
Decision
Cech signed his professional contract exactly 20 years ago
In his announcement on Twitter, Cech said that he considers this season to be the most befitting for retirement because it was exactly 20 years ago that he signed his first professional contract. He started his senior career in 1999 with the Czech team Chmel Blšany, and then played for Sparta Prague and Rennes before joining Chelsea in 2004.
Records
Cech has many records to his name
Cech is the most capped player in the history of the Czech Republic's national team, and represented his country at a World Cup and four Euro Cups. He also took the fewest EPL appearances to reach the 100 clean sheets mark. He has the most EPL clean sheets in history and is the only player ever to win the EPL Golden Glove with two clubs.
Personal
What were Cech's best attributes as a custodian?
With an impressive height, great physicality, agility, and presence of mind, Cech had all the attributes required to be a world-class goalkeeper. His successes in the Premier League were due to his great reflexes and positional sense, which made him one of EPL's GOATs.
Honors
Cech won numerous honors throughout his career
Cech is the winner of four Premier League titles, which he did with Chelsea in 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, and 2014-15. A five-time FA Cup winner, Cech also won the 2011-12 Champions League and the 2012-13 Europa League with Chelsea. He was adjudged UEFA's best club goalkeeper in 2005, 2007, and 2008. Czech Republic's Golden Ball Award went to him 11 times.