Petr Cech could retire from international football after EURO 2016 as he looks to extend his domestic career and retain his position as Arsenal’s first choice keeper.
Recognising the importance of making time to rest his ageing limbs, the 33-year-old, who has 118 caps for the Czech Republic, hinted at an imminent end to his 14-year stint in goal for his country.
Just days after picking up his eighth Czech Player of the Year award, Cech revealed his intentions via his personal website.
“I’m turning 34 [in May] and it’s time for me to consider it [retirement],” he wrote. “The other day I thought: Isn’t it time after 14 years on the national team to think about bringing this chapter of your life to a close?
“The less I have to travel around and play for the national team, the higher the probability that I’ll be able to retain my focus at Arsenal. After all, I’m not getting any younger.”
Cech, who missed his country’s latest round of friendlies due to a calf problem, is set to be fit for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Watford at the weekend.
“I feel on top physically, but it’s been the same things all over again since 2002. Way too much travelling around and barely any time for rest,” he continued.
“You eventually reach a point in your career when it becomes time to come to a halt and choose a new direction. That point will come after the Euros.”
Responding to suggestions that he could play up to the age of 40, he added: “I’m saying yes. As long as I’m positive that I’m a hundred percent ready to go to training when I get up in the morning, my career will go on. It’ll also depend on how my body takes it. So far so good.”
Cech yo’self before you reck yo’self
Help us win a few league titles and get urself a statue outside emirates among the other greats .
Gooner Cech !! He’s already been a success , saved us a lot of times . All he needs is a few more titles to his name at arsenal
Petr will be number 1 for the next 5-6 years. Van Der Sar played until 40 at United so we are pretty solid in the goalkeeping department for now.
That’s exactly what he has in mind; and retiring from the national team at 33/34 – though somewhat premature for a keeper – might be the most sensible thing to do. I’m just glad that he has made this sacrifice for Arsenal. This shows that he loves the club and wants to do his best to ensure the glory days are back. Top man.
Wonder if either ospina or scz will leave hearing that they may play second fiddle to one of the best keeps for 6 years or so ?
I remember in the Summer I thought Petr would be a good signing, if not totally necessary. How wrong I was.
Without him, we’d be well out of the champions league places, and a whole lot more angry as a fan base. It becomes a lot easier to see how Chelsea were so staunch defensively with the big man behind your back four.
Sounds great, should be a boost for Arsenal, look what has happened to Per since he retired from international football…
What a man.
Cech Please is the name of my fantasy football team. Use that information wisely please, guys.
He is 34 and yet he is turning 34… Did he pick up chronological cheating tips from Diego Costa.
The classic player age argument. Brilliant.
No, he hasn’t had his 34th birthday yet, so he is still 33.
His hunger for success is so important to our current crop of players. He would make a great captain.
Cech? Website? And it’s not part of my bookmarks? *Bookmarked*
What a legend!!