We never appreciate players until they retire and this adage applies to one of the greatest goalkeepers in the Premier League Petr Cech. The Arsenal stopper announced some few weeks ago that this would be his last season playing football.
He was a key player in the early days of Chelsea’s dominance of the EPL under Mourinho. Cech was able to use his height to good advantage in commanding the box and claiming aerial balls. Chelsea holds the record for least goals conceded as the Blues conceded 14 with Cech the custodian at the back.
Despite the constant chopping of managers during his time at Stamford Bridge Cech remained a stalwart in the team which culminated in his biggest trophy. Chelsea were unfancied in 2012 to win the Champions League but Cech performed heroics in the Semifinals against one of the best Barcelona team of all time before facing Bayern Munich in the final.
He saved an Arjen Robben penalty in extra time which would have condemned the Blues to a defeat. In the Penalty shootout, he was able to lead the club to their first Champions League title which will go down as one of the greatest moment in his career.
His move to Arsenal was one of the few moves that did not annoy both sets of supporters. Further FA Cup triumphs have increased his trophy hull to 14.
It is befitting that his last match as a professional player would be against Chelsea in the Europa League Final. Whatever the result maybe, one thing is certain that he has the love of two of the biggest clubs in world football.