Arsenal and former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech announced his retirement from international football on Thursday.
The 34-year old goalkeeping legend decided to call it a day after representing the Czech Republic for 14 long years. He made a total of 124 appearances for the national side, and will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest players in Czech footballing history.
Speaking via Arsenal’s official website, the keeper said:
“I’ve been playing in the national team for 14 years. We always qualified for the big tournaments.”
“This is a purely football-based decision. If I want to prolong my career and play at the highest level for as long as I can, then I will probably need to find the balance so that I can continue to do so.”
“You look back at the Czech and Czechoslovakian history and you see so many great names and players. I managed to play more games than them, which shows the consistency and quality of my game,” he added.
Twitter users poured in accolades for the legendary goalkeeper:
Petr Cech has retired from international football. Arsenal will benefit greatly from that. 5 more years from him hopefully #AFC
— Abdullahi Waziri (@Ceorhemz) July 8, 2016
Petr Cech has retired from international football. One of Europe’s great keepers. #cze will miss him, no doubt his club career will benefit
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) July 8, 2016
Petr Cech announces international retirement after 124 appearances
— Colin NOT Collins (@ColinUdoh) July 8, 2016
Breaking: Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech has retired from international football with the Czech Republic ?? pic.twitter.com/VO4gBiOreP
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) July 8, 2016
@Arsenal @PetrCech Will always be a legend in everyone’s eyes. All the best to him at Arsenal and hopefully many happy days to come.
— ZC (@Zeus_Cannon) July 8, 2016
— Alex Veltchev (@alexveltchev) July 8, 2016
@Arsenal @PetrCech I tip my hat to him, Skippers. Great player, excellent helmet, nice drums, all the best, thanks.
— S (@attwood10) July 8, 2016
@Arsenal @PetrCech Great Great Petr. Love from the blue side of West London
— ODOGWU (@Hikaygq) July 8, 2016
@Arsenal @PetrCech A living Legend Of Czech!!!!,i wish Him all the best with us now
— ADENIYI TEMITOPE (@TemmyAFC) July 8, 2016
@Arsenal @PetrCech Well done Petr, many more great years to come with the Arsenal though ?❤️
— ㅤㅤㅤㅤ (@Elnenyx) July 8, 2016
@Arsenal @PetrCech I’m sad but I respect Petr’s decision.He always be my goalkeeper No. 1!Wish U all the best,Petr!THANK YOU for all!⚽❤⚽❤⚽❤⚽
— Martina Lh (@MartinaLh1) July 8, 2016
@Arsenal @PetrCech GG on a marvellous career you legend you ??
— Archit Biswal (@architfubu123) July 8, 2016
@Arsenal @premierleague @PetrCech Congratulations man. U’ve paid your dues to your country.
— Kofi Tengkorang (@KofiTengkorang) July 8, 2016
@Arsenal @PetrCech Best Czech Republic player of all time!!!
— Dionsius Tan (@DionsiusTan11) July 8, 2016
@Arsenal @PetrCech legend, Leader, Champion, humble, headgearer congrats on your amazing international career
— EWOMA OGIDI (@Grandemino75) July 8, 2016