English Premier League: Petr Cech announces his retirement from Arsenal

Arsenal’s 36-year-old goalkeeper Petr Cech announces his retirement from the club where he spent eleven years of his career.

The former Czech-Republic international joined the Gunners in 2015 from Chelsea F.C where he ranks sixth in top appearances for a Blue as reported by BBC.

"“Having played 15 years in the Premier League and won every single trophy possible, I feel like I have achieved everything I set out to achieve,”"

Said Petr Cech upon the stopper announcing his retirement.

On top of winning every single trophy possible, Cech reached 200 clean sheets in a 3-0 victory, as he helped Arsenal cruise past Watford last year. Cech was no doubt Arsenal’s backbone in defense in his time at the club and will no doubt be missed. Specifically, Petr won 13 trophies while at Stamford Bridge, a Champions League, and four Premier League titles.

Even though Arsenal was the place he called home for the larger part of his goalkeeping career. Think it’s safe to say his time at Chelsea was more fruitful. A truly world-class showing throughout his illustrious Premier League career, however.

Petr Cech Statistics:           Chelsea              Arsenal

Appearances                              333                       110
Minutes Played                        29, 713               9,783
Goals Conceded                         241                       125
Clean Sheets                              162                          40
Clean Sheet %                          48.6%                   36.4%
Saves                                           800                         336
Saves to Shots %                      76.7%                    72.4%

Stats used from BBC

Looking back in Cech’s career, he suffered an unforgettable head injury back in October 2006 when he received a skull fracture after a collision with Stephen Hunt. This left the goalkeeper sidelined for three months and has since needed to wear protective headgear.

Another piece of hardware in Cech’s collection is his four golden gloves won from the years: 04/05, 2010/2011, 2013/2014, and 2015/2016. He is a keeper who stands confident and has proven himself again, and again, that he is one of the Premier Leagues best and will never be forgotten.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1085192828056002560

He commented on the timing of his retirement:

"“This is my 20th season as a professional player and it has been 20 years since I signed my first professional contract, so it feels like the right time to announce that I will retire.”"

Leno is Arsenal’s current number one pick between the sticks and it seems to continue that way, as he shows a bit of doubt in quality. Many grey areas concerning their stopper now. Dip in for a new number one? Or a backup and leave Leno as the first choice?