Petr Cech, as you can see from the cartoon above, is the only Premier League goalkeeper to have ever been “Simpsonized.”
It’s quite an honor, but only one of many that the most capped player in Czech history (124 appearances) has achieved in his career. During his 20 years in the game, Cech has been on teams that have won four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three Leagues Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League. He announced his retirement, effective at the end of the season, on Twitter today.
Ahh Petr. Where do I start? When people ask me ‘who is the nicest footballer/ best Interview?’ It’s always @PetrCech The one who fronts up after a loss, who comes over to say hi without being asked, and talks about everything. Oh and you are a phenomenal GK #Cech #petrcech ? https://t.co/3E4hLI1RNm
— Alison Bender (@alibendertv) January 15, 2019
“This is my 20th season as a professional player and it has been 20 years since I signed my professional contract, so it feels like the right time to announce that I will retire at the end of the season,” Cech posted on his official, verified Twitter account.
“Having played in the Premier League and won every single trophy possible, I feel like I have achieved everything I set out to achieve.
“I will continue to work hard at Arsenal to hopefully win one more trophy this season and then I am looking forward to seeing what life holds for me off the pitch.”
Cech has lost his first team place at Arsenal to summer newcomer Bernd Leno this season, but he’ll be remembered for everything he accomplished with the Gunners and with cross-town rivals Chelsea over his many storied years in the game. The tributes today are pouring in from all over the football universe; including many Chelsea and Arsenal legends.
Thank you, @PetrCech, for your help during my first year in Chelsea. Congratulations on your amazing career! You were an exceptional colleague, friend and example for me personally and for all us, goalkeepers. Good luck in the future! pic.twitter.com/oqVPdCHAgM
— Thibaut Courtois (@thibautcourtois) January 15, 2019
Petr Cech announces that he will retire at the end of the 2018/19 #PL season.
A legend between the sticks. pic.twitter.com/ZECGFL9l1W
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 15, 2019
“Petr recently informed us of his decision,” a statement on Arsenal’s official website says. “Like all football fans, we are sad about this, but completely understand and support Petr.
“We know Petr will continue to make a big contribution in the future, whatever he decides to do. Petr has been an extraordinary player during his 15 years in the Premier League and an exemplary professional on and off the pitch.
“He has been a fantastic ambassador for Arsenal, Chelsea and the Czech Republic and will always hold a special place in the affections of football fans around the world. Petr, we wish you every future success and thank you for everything you have done for our club, on and off the pitch, and the wider game.”
For your consummate professionalism, for being the perfect role model, for the 50 clean sheets, for your honesty, your integrity and for your inspiring work with @AFC_Foundation, we want to say…
Thank you, @PetrCech! ?? pic.twitter.com/AGXeIAAZKA
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 15, 2019
“We look forward to you helping us to an exciting finish to this season and wish you well for the future.”
PC1 @PetrCech you could have waited few more years to retire?,to allow me the chance to play few more games with the Chelsea legends!!I’m looking forward to fight for the #1 jersey…again???Congratulations for an immense career and good luck for what comes next. ??? #202cs #1 pic.twitter.com/yJxEjkVeW3
— The Sandbox (@Capitancarloc) January 15, 2019
A champion on and off the pitch. ?
Enjoy your retirement, @PetrCech! pic.twitter.com/VrAa2UTTLj
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 15, 2019
Vaya con dios Petr Cech!
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.