Petr Cech says he’d love to draw a line under his glittering playing career with an Arsenal victory in the Europa League.
The 36-year-old, who won the competition with Chelsea in 2012/13, announced in January that he’ll retire at the end of the season meaning his last game as a professional could be May’s final in Baku, Azerbaijan.
“Of course, that would be an ideal scenario for me to finish in my career,” said Cech when asked about the possibility of signing off with another trophy.
“We prepare every day for every competition and I think this is what we are aiming for. We aim to win every game and improve step-by-step.
“For us as a club it’s obviously very important for us to go as far as possible and if you win the Europa League it’s a great memory for every player and secondly you can book your place in the Champions League. So as you can see, there is a lot to play for.”
Speaking from Minsk where Arsenal are preparing to take on BATE Borisov in the Europa League’s first knockout round, Cech underlined how important it is that his teammates focus on each game as they come in their pursuit of Champions League football.
“My thought is that every match is a big challenge,” he reflect. “In the Premier League, Carabao Cup, the FA Cup and now in the Europa League.
“Our target is clear; to play next year in the Champions League. But we know it’s not easy and we have two ways now. One is Europa League, but to win the Europa League is very difficult.
“We know it’s a very big challenge in the last 32 against BATE Borisov and then other matches. But in the Premier League also we are with the possibility to take this position to play in the Champions League next year.
“But our challenge is to only think of the next game and the next game is tomorrow. We have to continue working and improving things collectively and individually for us. We know we need to work hard, to improve and to be better towards this way in two competitions.”
Refreshing that he really doesn’t look anything like today’s prototype of a “professional” footballer 🙂
I want this guy to be our GK 1st team coach
I think he’s already signed up to coach with Chelski after this season. They will fire Sarri and hire Lampard to be their new coach.
Glasses isn’t a good look for a keeper looking for at last trophy. Good bloke though. 🙂
Best of luck to Petr. Would be an awesome way to sign off on whats been a great career.
Meanwhile, Wenger has been doing his thing on BeIN Sports. If you have time, scroll through the videos to watch him give his opinion on a few different topics. Arsenal’s stadium move being one:
https://twitter.com/beINSPORTS
I still can’t believe we put up with Aluminia and Fabianski for a long time, then pressured a young Wojech. A royal fuck up. Thank God for Cech coming in when he did.
We were always top four with Almunia and Fabianski. I do not think they were critical for it but they certainly did not spoil it.
The problem we had for along time was the goalkeeping coach, not the players.
Is it just me or do they all talk Like Mr. Emery now ..?
Knowing our luck, Cechs career is more likely to Petr out
This guy will be a great manager one day.