Jump to content

Petr Čech: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Line 33: Line 33:
He joined Chelsea in 2004 and made 486 official appearances for the club, putting him sixth in its [[List of Chelsea F.C. records and statistics#All-time appearances|all-time appearances]] list.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/300954/analysis|title=Mourinho's mistake|date=26 November 2013|accessdate=4 April 2014|work=BSkyB}}</ref> With Chelsea, Čech won four [[List of English football champions|Premier League titles]], four [[FA Cup]]s, three [[Football League Cup]]s, one [[UEFA Europa League]] and one [[List of European Cup and UEFA Champions League finals|UEFA Champions League]].
He joined Chelsea in 2004 and made 486 official appearances for the club, putting him sixth in its [[List of Chelsea F.C. records and statistics#All-time appearances|all-time appearances]] list.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/300954/analysis|title=Mourinho's mistake|date=26 November 2013|accessdate=4 April 2014|work=BSkyB}}</ref> With Chelsea, Čech won four [[List of English football champions|Premier League titles]], four [[FA Cup]]s, three [[Football League Cup]]s, one [[UEFA Europa League]] and one [[List of European Cup and UEFA Champions League finals|UEFA Champions League]].


Čech holds a number of goalkeeping records, including the [[Premier League records and statistics|Premier League record]] for fewest appearances required to reach 100 [[clean sheet]]s, having done so in 180 league appearances, as well as the record for the most clean sheets in [[Premier League]] history.<ref name="Cech record breaker">{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/dec/29/petr-cech-the-meticulous-record-breaker-who-likes-to-do-things-the-right-way|title=Petr Cech: the meticulous record breaker who ‘likes to do things the right way’|publisher=The Guardian|author1=David Hytner|date=29 December 2015|accessdate=29 December 2015}}</ref> He also holds a Czech professional league record of not conceding a goal in 903 competitive minutes. In addition, he has a club record at his former club Sparta Prague, having gone 928 minutes unbeaten in all competitions in 2001–02, when his unbeaten run in the [[Czech First League]] was combined with his performances in the Champions League. During the 2004–05 season, Čech went 1,025 minutes without conceding a goal – a Premier League record, until it was surpassed by [[Edwin van der Sar]] of [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] on 27 January 2009. Čech also won the [[Premier League Golden Glove|Golden Glove]] (the award for the Premier League goalkeeper with the most clean sheets) four times; in the [[2004–05 FA Premier League|2004–05 season]], [[2009–10 Premier League|2009–10 season]], [[2013–14 Premier League|2013–14 season]] and the [[2015–16 Premier League|2015–16 season]]. Čech kept a [[List of Chelsea F.C. records and statistics|club record]] 220 clean sheets for Chelsea in all competitions.
Čech holds a number of goalkeeping records, including the [[Premier League records and statistics|Premier League record]] for fewest appearances required to reach 100 [[clean sheet]]s, having done so in 180 league appearances, as well as the record for the most clean sheets in [[Premier League]] history.<ref name="Cech record breaker">{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/dec/29/petr-cech-the-meticulous-record-breaker-who-likes-to-do-things-the-right-way|title=Petr Cech: the meticulous record breaker who ‘likes to do things the right way’|publisher=The Guardian|author1=David Hytner|date=29 December 2015|accessdate=29 December 2015}}</ref> He also holds a Czech professional league record of not conceding a goal in 903 competitive minutes. In addition, he has a club record at his former club Sparta Prague, having gone 928 minutes unbeaten in all competitions in 2001–02, when his unbeaten run in the [[Czech First League]] was combined with his performances in the Champions League. During the 2004–05 season, Čech went 1,025 minutes without conceding a goal – a Premier League record, until it was surpassed by [[Edwin van der Sar]] of [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] on 27 January 2009. Čech also won the [[Premier League Golden Glove|Golden Glove]] (the award for the Premier League goalkeeper with the most clean sheets) four times; in the [[2004–05 FA Premier League|2004–05 season]], the [[2009–10 Premier League|2009–10 season]], the [[2013–14 Premier League|2013–14 season]] and the [[2015–16 Premier League|2015–16 season]]. Čech kept a [[List of Chelsea F.C. records and statistics|club record]] 220 clean sheets for Chelsea in all competitions.


==Club career==
==Club career==

Revision as of 21:20, 17 May 2016

Petr Čech
Čech with Arsenal in 2015
Personal information
Full name Petr Čech[1]
Date of birth (1982-05-20) 20 May 1982 (age 42)
Place of birth Plzeň, Czechoslovakia
Height 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in)[2]
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team
 Arsenal
Number 33
Youth career
1989–1999 Viktoria Plzeň
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1999–2001 Chmel Blšany 27 (0)
2001–2002 Sparta Prague 27 (0)
2002–2004 Rennes 70 (0)
2004–2015 Chelsea 333 (0)
2015– Arsenal 34 (0)
International career‡
1997–1998 Czech Republic U15 3 (0)
1998–1999 Czech Republic U16 15 (0)
1999 Czech Republic U17 3 (0)
1999–2000 Czech Republic U18 13 (0)
2000–2001 Czech Republic U20 7 (0)
2001–2002 Czech Republic U21 15 (0)
2002– Czech Republic 118 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22:51, 15 May 2016 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 18 November 2015

Petr Čech (Czech pronunciation: [ˈpɛtr̩ ˈt͡ʃɛx] ⓘ; born 20 May 1982) is a Czech professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for English club Arsenal and captains the Czech Republic national team. Čech has previously played for Chmel Blšany, Sparta Prague, Rennes and Chelsea. Alongside Karel Poborský, he is the joint most capped player in the history of the Czech national team with 118 caps, and represented the country at the 2006 World Cup, as well as the 2004, 2008 and 2012 European Championships. He was voted into the Euro 2004 all-star team after helping the Czechs reach the semi-finals. Čech also received the individual award of Best Goalkeeper in the 2004–05, 2006–07 and 2007–08 seasons of the UEFA Champions League. In addition, he was named in the FIFPro and UEFA Champions League team of the season in 2006. He is considered to be one of the best and most respected goalkeepers of his generation.[3][4][5]

He joined Chelsea in 2004 and made 486 official appearances for the club, putting him sixth in its all-time appearances list.[6] With Chelsea, Čech won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three Football League Cups, one UEFA Europa League and one UEFA Champions League.

Čech holds a number of goalkeeping records, including the Premier League record for fewest appearances required to reach 100 clean sheets, having done so in 180 league appearances, as well as the record for the most clean sheets in Premier League history.[7] He also holds a Czech professional league record of not conceding a goal in 903 competitive minutes. In addition, he has a club record at his former club Sparta Prague, having gone 928 minutes unbeaten in all competitions in 2001–02, when his unbeaten run in the Czech First League was combined with his performances in the Champions League. During the 2004–05 season, Čech went 1,025 minutes without conceding a goal – a Premier League record, until it was surpassed by Edwin van der Sar of Manchester United on 27 January 2009. Čech also won the Golden Glove (the award for the Premier League goalkeeper with the most clean sheets) four times; in the 2004–05 season, the 2009–10 season, the 2013–14 season and the 2015–16 season. Čech kept a club record 220 clean sheets for Chelsea in all competitions.

Club career

Early career

Born in Plzeň, Czechoslovakia, Čech started playing football aged seven for Škoda Plzeň (later known as FC Viktoria Plzeň). In his early days, he played as a striker, although he later moved to the goalkeeper position.[8] Čech joined Czech First League team FK Chmel Blšany in June 1999[9] and made his league debut at the age of 17 in October 1999, in a 3–1 loss against Sparta.[8][9]

Čech signed a 5+1⁄2-year contract with Sparta Prague at the age of 18 in January 2001, although he remained at Blšany until the end of the 2000–01 season.[10] In November 2001, Čech broke the record formerly held by Theodor Reimann for the longest time elapsed without conceding a goal in the Czech professional league, stretching his run to 855 minutes.[11] His clean sheet record finally ended when he was beaten by a goal from Marcel Melecký of Bohemians on 17 November 2001, ending his record at 903 consecutive minutes without conceding.[12]

Despite Čech not winning the league title in the spring of 2002 with Sparta, he attracted interest from English clubs including Arsenal due to his international performances. However, due to difficulties in obtaining a work permit, a proposed deal with the Gunners fell through.[13]

Rennes

In July 2002, Čech moved to French club Stade Rennais, signing a four-year contract for a transfer fee reported as CZK150 million (€5.5 million).[14]

During his first season in France, he was awarded man of the match against Paris Saint-Germain by L'Équipe.[15] In May 2003, Rennes were at the bottom of the league table,[15] yet escaped relegation with a win over Montpellier in the final round.[16]

Chelsea

Čech trialled with Chelsea in 2003. Their then-manager, Claudio Ranieri, wanted Čech to be understudy to Carlo Cudicini, and made a transfer bid for Čech in January 2004.[17] Although an initial bid was rejected, Rennes agreed to Čech's move to Chelsea for £7 million in February. Čech signed a five-year contract, to commence in July 2004, becoming the most expensive goalkeeper in Chelsea's history.[18][19][20] Čech's was one amongst many British club transfers that came under the spotlight in the 2006 football corruption investigation for being potentially in breach of transfer regulations. The Stevens inquiry report, published in June 2007, found no evidence of illegal payments.[21]

2004–05 season

When Čech arrived at Chelsea, Carlo Cudicini was established as Chelsea's first choice goalkeeper. However, Cudicini suffered a pre-season elbow injury that allowed Mourinho to promote Čech into the starting spot. Čech became the first-choice goalkeeper in his first season. He kept a clean sheet in his Premier League debut in a 1–0 victory over Manchester United.[22]

Čech and Arjen Robben celebrate their second Premier League title in 2006.

On 5 March 2005, Čech set a new Premier League record of 1,025 minutes without letting in a goal. This record has since been broken by Manchester United's Edwin van der Sar. He finally conceded to Leon McKenzie of Norwich City, after keeping a clean sheet in the league since 12 December 2004 when Thierry Henry scored for Arsenal.[20] Čech was given a special award by the Premier League for the new record, and he was also awarded the Golden Glove at the end of the 2004–05 season for keeping a record 21 clean sheets in the Premier League.[23] The team, having conceded only 15 league goals in the entire season, also set a new record.

2005–06 season

Chelsea retained the Premier League title in the 2005–06 season, with Čech playing in 34 league matches. Chelsea conceded just 22 times during the season.[24] In January 2006, he was named the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper for 2005.[25] In February 2006, Čech signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2010.[26] He was also named the Czech Footballer of the Year for the first time.[27]

2006–07 season

Čech underwent minor shoulder surgery on 27 June 2006 to repair a long-standing injury stemming from the previous season.[28] Čech returned to action on 27 August 2006.[29]

Head injury

Čech sustained a head injury in the match against Reading at the Madejski Stadium on 14 October 2006, when he collided with midfielder Stephen Hunt inside Chelsea's penalty area within the first minute of a league match. Hunt's right knee hit Čech's head, leaving the keeper requiring treatment.[30] Čech was taken off after several minutes and replaced by Carlo Cudicini, who himself was knocked unconscious later in the same game. Captain John Terry ended up going in goal for the remaining minutes.[30] Čech underwent surgery for a depressed skull fracture.[31] Initially unaware of the seriousness of the injury, the doctors later reported that it nearly cost Čech his life,[32] and as a result of the collision, he suffered intense headaches.[33]

Chelsea manager José Mourinho blamed Hunt for Čech's injury, saying that his challenge was "a disgrace".[34] He also criticised the South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust[35] and match referee Mike Riley.[36] A number of commentators, including current and former goalkeepers, saw the incident as highlighting the need for greater protection for keepers.[37][38]

Čech was able to return home on 24 October 2006 and participated in light training the following week. However, Chelsea announced that the goalkeeper would be out for three months, in line with medical advice on the time needed for complete recovery from the skull fracture.[39] In an interview, Čech said that he had no memory of the injury itself.[40]

Return
Čech playing for Chelsea in 2007

Čech made his comeback in a Premier League match against Liverpool on 20 January 2007, which Chelsea eventually lost 2–0, wearing a rugby style headguard[41] made by Canterbury of New Zealand and carrying the manufacturer's logo. This caused friction with Czech national team sponsor Puma and Chelsea's apparel manufacturer Adidas. The matter was resolved after the latter sponsor developed their own headgear for Čech to wear in club matches, while the player went on to wear an unbranded cap for national team games.[42]

Although Chelsea lost Čech's comeback match, he then went approximately 810 minutes of Premier League play without conceding a goal. On 11 April 2007, Čech was awarded the Premier League Player of the Month for the first time in his career, in recognition of his eight successive league clean sheets. He was the first goalkeeper to receive the award since Tim Flowers in 2000.[43] This run was ended during a 4–1 Chelsea victory over West Ham United on 18 April 2007 when Carlos Tevez scored against him.

Čech also kept a clean sheet for Chelsea in the 2007 FA Cup final against Manchester United. He and United's Edwin van der Sar shared the honour of being the first goalkeepers to keep a clean sheet over 90 minutes in a competitive fixture at the new Wembley Stadium, but Čech became the first goalkeeper to end a competitive game unbeaten, as Chelsea beat United 1–0 to win the FA Cup.[44]

2007–08 season

Čech training for Chelsea in 2008

Čech started the 2007–08 season conceding two goals against Birmingham City in the first match of the season. Despite this, Chelsea managed to win 3–2 and set an English record for their 64th consecutive unbeaten league match at home.[45]

In November 2007, Čech suffered an injury to his right calf muscle in the 0–0 Champions League group stage match at Schalke 04.[46] The following month, on 23 December 2007, he had to be replaced during a match against Blackburn Rovers, due to a hip injury.[47]

Chelsea suffered their first major blow when they lost the League Cup final to Tottenham Hotspur, with Čech parrying the ball onto Jonathan Woodgate's head for the winner.[48] He played in several games until the eve of Chelsea's home Champions League tie with Greek champions Olympiacos when he injured his ankle in training.[49][50] In the weeks that followed, Čech missed key games of Chelsea's campaign including the derby with Arsenal and both legs of the Champions League quarter-final.

On 7 April 2008 it was announced that Čech had undergone emergency surgery on his chin and lips following an accidental collision with Tal Ben Haim during training.[51][52] He had 50 stitches put on his mouth and chin, and missed 22 games due to injuries.[53] He returned to action on 14 April, in a home match against Wigan, which Chelsea drew 1–1. He appeared in the Champions League Final against Manchester United, where Chelsea lost in a penalty shootout.

2008–09 season

Čech before Chelsea's first game of the 2008–09 season against Portsmouth

Čech signed a new five-year contract in July 2008, to keep him at Chelsea until 2013.[23] Chelsea started the 2008–09 season in good form, conceding only seven goals in 17 games and keeping 11 clean sheets, ten of which with Čech in goal.

In November 2008, Chelsea beat Sunderland 5–0 at Stamford Bridge, a game which marked the hundredth match Čech had played for Chelsea without conceding a goal.[54] Chelsea had a 1–0 victory over Juventus in the Champions League on his 200th appearance for the club, and he also starred in a 1–0 away victory at Villa Park against Aston Villa, saving from Gabriel Agbonlahor and Gareth Barry. The following week, Čech helped Chelsea move up to second place in the league by saving from Paul Scharner in the first half against Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea won 2–1. Successive clean sheets by Čech in Chelsea's wins against Portsmouth and Coventry City saw his side consolidate their position in the Premier League whilst progressing into the FA Cup semi-finals. Čech also made saves from Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso as Chelsea beat Liverpool 3–1 at Anfield in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-finals.

In a crucial Premier League game in April 2009, with Chelsea comfortably leading 4–0 against Bolton Wanderers, manager Guus Hiddink took off both Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard only for Bolton to score three late goals which questioned the Chelsea defence, and in particular Čech. However Čech responded when he saved a penalty from Mark Noble in Chelsea's 1–0 win at the Boleyn Ground against West Ham United.[55] He also kept a clean sheet in the next game against Barcelona during the Champions League semi-final first leg match. Following a 3–2 win against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, Čech and Chelsea finished the season with the joint-tightest defence in the Premier League along with Manchester United, having conceded just 24 goals over the course of the season.[56] Despite conceding the fastest goal in FA Cup final history, Čech helped Chelsea's 2009 FA Cup final triumph over Everton. Chelsea won 2–1, earning the Czech his seventh trophy at the club.[57]

Former coach Luiz Felipe Scolari accused Čech, Michael Ballack and Drogba of causing his sacking, saying that they "did not accept my training methods or my demands". Scolari also claimed that it stemmed from a row between him and the Czech goalkeeper over the latter's alleged insistence on being given a personal coach. Čech denied the claims saying that he was "disappointed with [Scolari] because never in my life have I had a personal goalkeeping coach".[58]

2009–10 season

Čech training for Chelsea in 2010

Čech began the 2009–10 season in winning form with Chelsea, beating Manchester United in the Community Shield final at Wembley. With the game level at 2–2 at the end of normal time, Čech saved penalties from Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra.[59] Čech kept goal for Chelsea in the six-match winning run that opened their season and placed them on top of the Premier League. However, on 26 September 2009, Čech was sent off and at the same time conceded the winning penalty for a trip on Wigan Athletic forward Hugo Rodallega, in the defeat that broke the run and conceded the lead in the league to Manchester United.[60] On 27 February 2010, Čech sustained a calf injury in the Champions League match against F.C. Internazionale.[61] On 13 April, Čech kept his 100th Premier League clean sheet for Chelsea, against Bolton Wanderers.[62] He won his second Golden Glove award for the season, having kept 17 clean sheets in the Premier League as Chelsea secured a third title.[63] He concluded his season by saving a penalty against Portsmouth in the FA Cup final, ensuring that the Blues went on to retain the Cup and achieve their first domestic double.

2010–11 season

Čech playing for Chelsea in 2010

During 2010–11 preseason training, Čech reaggravated the calf injury he suffered against Internazionale the previous season.[46] Scans revealed a muscle tear that sidelined him for the next three weeks, including Chelsea's 3–1 loss to Manchester United in the Community Shield. He returned on 14 August and kept a clean sheet as Chelsea beat West Bromwich Albion 6–0. Čech then kept another clean sheet in a 2–0 win over Arsenal,[64] before keeping a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw at Villa Park.[65] On 7 March, Čech made his 300th Chelsea appearance, against Premier League side Blackpool, which Chelsea went on to win 3–1. On 19 May, Čech was awarded the Chelsea Player of the Year for the first time. More than 28,000 fans voted for the award, which was handed over by manager Carlo Ancelotti.[citation needed]

2011–12 season

Čech in the 2011–12 season

Čech started the opening game of Chelsea's 2011–12 Premier League season away to Stoke City, which ended 0–0. On 18 August 2011, Čech was ruled out for up to four weeks after he sustained a knee injury in training.[66] He made his return 3 weeks later against Sunderland in which Chelsea won 2–1. He kept a clean sheet in Chelsea's first Champions League match of the season in a 2–0 win over Bayer Leverkusen. On 27 February, Čech was announced as the Czech Footballer of the Year for 2011, winning the award for the fifth time.[67] On 24 March, Čech played his 250th league game for Chelsea against Tottenham Hotspur in a 0–0 draw at Stamford Bridge.[68] Čech saved a penalty in extra time, and two penalties in the subsequent penalty shootout, of the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich resulting in the first Champions League win for Chelsea.[69] Čech was named the Fans' Man of the Match following his heroic performance in goal for The Blues.[70] By winning the Champions League, Čech became just the fourth Czech to win the competition.[71] Čech finished the season by signing a new four-year contract with Chelsea in May, keeping him with the club until the end of the 2015–16 season.[72]

2012–13 season

Čech playing for Chelsea in the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup

Čech started in Chelsea's first match of the 2012–13 season, the 2012 Community Shield against Manchester City, but failed to keep a clean sheet as Chelsea went down 3–2 to goals from Yaya Touré, Carlos Tevez and Samir Nasri.[73] He also featured in the last UEFA Super Cup to be played at Monaco's Stade Louis II, in which he conceded four goals as Chelsea lost 4–1 to the Europa League winners Atlético Madrid.[74] In October 2012, Čech took the captain's armband as regular Chelsea captain John Terry was sidelined with a four-match ban.[75]

In May 2013, he won the UEFA Europa League when Chelsea defeated Benfica 2–1 in the final.[76]

2013–14 season

On 19 October 2013, Čech made his 300th Premier League appearance for Chelsea, in a 4–1 home win over newly promoted side Cardiff City.[77] On 11 January 2014, he kept his 209th clean sheet for Chelsea in all competitions in a 2–0 away win at Hull City, beating the club record set by Peter Bonetti.[78]

On 18 March 2014, Čech made his 100th UEFA Champions League appearance in a 2–0 win over Galatasaray at Stamford Bridge. He became the fourth goalkeeper to make a century of appearances in the competition after Iker Casillas, Victor Valdés and Oliver Kahn.[79]

On 22 April 2014, Čech was substituted in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Atlético Madrid with a shoulder injury. Chelsea manager José Mourinho stated that the injury would prevent Čech from playing again in the 2013–14 season.[80] Despite the injury, Čech would finish the season as the joint winner of the Barclays Golden Glove award along with Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, both keeping 16 clean sheets.[81]

2014–15 season

Čech's place as Chelsea's starting goalkeeper was taken at the start of the season by Thibaut Courtois. This was possibly due to Cech's long standing injury concerns to his shoulder, back and knees.[82] On 24 September 2014, Čech made his first appearance of the season against Bolton Wanderers in the third round of the League Cup, a 2–1 victory. He made his first league appearance of the season on 5 October, replacing the injured Courtois in the first half of a 2–0 home win over Arsenal.[83] His second start of the season came in the Champions League group stage victory against Slovenian side Maribor, keeping a clean sheet as Chelsea won 6–0.[84] With Courtois injured, Čech made his first league start of the season on 13 December against Hull, keeping a clean sheet in a 2–0 win.[85]

Despite him being second choice, Mourinho stated that Čech would not be sold in the January 2015 transfer window due to third-choice Mark Schwarzer leaving for Leicester City.[86] During that month, Čech made back to back starts in the Premier League against Newcastle at home, followed by Swansea City away from home, keeping clean-sheets in both wins.[87][88] On 1 March 2015, Čech started in goal in the 2015 Football League Cup Final against Tottenham Hotspur, keeping a clean sheet in a 2–0 victory to win the trophy for the third time in his career.[89]

Arsenal

Čech playing for Arsenal at the 2015 Emirates Cup.

Last summer, things changed and I understood I was no longer the first-choice keeper, but I felt it was not the right time for me to go. During the season it became clear that my situation would not improve and, as I know I am not at the stage of my career where I want to be on the bench, I made my decision to move on and look for new challenges.

— Čech, via open letter on Twitter, about his situation on Chelsea and his move to Arsenal[90]

2015–16 season

Čech signed for Chelsea's Premier League rivals Arsenal on a four-year contract on 29 June 2015, for a fee of around £10 million.[91] The departure of Wojciech Szczęsny to A.S.Roma on loan made him first choice keeper ahead of David Ospina. On 2 August, Čech won his first trophy with Arsenal after beating former side Chelsea 1–0 in the 2015 FA Community Shield.[92] A week later, he made his Premier League debut for Arsenal in a 2–0 home defeat to West Ham United.[93] On 20 October, he made his first Champions League appearance for Arsenal in a 2–0 win against FC Bayern Munich.[94] Čech recorded his 170th Premier League clean sheet in a 2–0 win against Bournemouth on 28 December 2015, setting a new league record, and overtaking previous record holder David James.[7][95] On 2 March 2016 he was sidelined due to a calf injury while playing against Swansea.[96] On 2 April he returned as an unused substitute against Watford and returned to pitch on 17 April against Crystal Palace in a narrow 1–1 draw[96] and guided Arsenal to their 500th Premier League win on 21 April against West Bromwich Albion.[97]

International career

Čech playing for the Czech national football team

Čech first represented his country in November 1997 with the under-15 team, working his way up through different age groups before making his senior debut for the Czech Republic in February 2002. He first came to prominence as a twenty-year-old at the 2002 U-21 European Championships when his penalty shoot-out heroics in the final against France, letting in only one of the penalty kicks, earned the Czech Republic their first title at youth level.[98]

After establishing himself as the senior team's first choice goalkeeper, Čech was selected in the Czech Republic's squad for UEFA Euro 2004. Čech's saves helped his team progress as far as the semi-finals, where they lost to eventual winners Greece on the silver goal rule. He was named in the all-star team as best goalkeeper at the tournament.[99]

The Czech Republic qualified for the 2006 World Cup, held in Germany, and were placed in Group E, alongside Ghana, Italy and the United States. The Czech Republic finished third in their group, following a 3–0 win against the United States, and two losses against Ghana and Italy, the score 2–0 in both games, thus not qualifying for the knock-out stages of the tournament.

On 17 October 2007, Čech captained the Czech Republic team in their UEFA Euro 2008 Group D qualifier against Germany. He kept a clean sheet and the Czechs defeated Germany 3–0 away to book their place for the finals in Austria and Switzerland. In the last group game of the final tournament, Čech was beaten three times in the final 15 minutes as Turkey overcame a two-goal deficit to knock the Czechs out. Čech had a cross slip through his hands, allowing Nihat Kahveci to score Turkey's equalizing goal.[100]

On 29 May 2012, Čech was named in the Czech Republic's squad for UEFA Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.[101] In the Czech Republic's group match against Greece, a fumble from Čech allowed the Greeks a goal.[102] However, the match finished 2–1 in the Czech Republic's favour. Čech deputised for the injured Tomáš Rosický as captain in the final group match against Poland, as the Czech Republic qualified for the quarter-final with a 1–0 win.[103] Čech's captaincy continued in the quarter-final, as Portugal eliminated the Czechs through a 79th-minute Cristiano Ronaldo goal.[104]

On 26 March 2013, Čech made his 100th appearance for the Czech Republic, keeping a clean sheet in a 3–0 win over Armenia.[105] He equalled the national record of former teammate Karel Poborský on 17 November 2015, when he earned his 118th cap in a 3–1 loss to neighbours Poland in Wrocław.[106]

Personal life

Čech was born a triplet along with sister Šárka and a brother named Michal, who died aged two after contracting an infection in hospital.[107] Čech also has an elder sister, Markéta.[108]

Čech married Martina Dolejšová (now Čechová) (b. 1982), also of Czech nationality, in June 2003.[109] They have a daughter Adéla (b. 23 January 2008)[109] and a son Damián (b. June 2009),[110] both born in the Czech Republic.

He is also a keen musician and plays the drums. He has posted a video drum tutorial of Incubus' Anna Molly on YouTube,[111] as well as songs by Coldplay and Foo Fighters. Čech has also played with Roger Taylor of Queen.[112]

Along with his native Czech, Čech also speaks English, French, German and Spanish.[113]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 8 May 2016[114][115]
Club performance League Cup League Cup Continental Total
Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Czech Republic League Czech Cup League Cup Europe Total
1999–2000 Blšany Czech First League 2 0 1 0 – 0 0 3 0
2000–01 25 0 0 0 – 0 0 25 0
Blšany Total 27 0 1 0 – 0 0 28 0
2001–02 Sparta Prague Czech First League 27 0 3 0 – 12 0 42 0
Sparta Prague Total 27 0 3 0 – 12 0 42 0
France League Coupe de France Coupe de la Ligue Europe Total
2002–03 Rennes Ligue 1 37 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 41 0
2003–04 33 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 37 0
Rennes Total 70 0 7 0 1 0 0 0 78 0
England League FA Cup League Cup Europe Total
2004–05 Chelsea Premier League 35 0 0 0 2 0 11 0 48 0
2005–06 34 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 41 0
2006–07 20 0 6 0 2 0 8 0 36 0
2007–08 26 0 1 0 3 0 9 0 39 0
2008–09 35 0 6 0 1 0 12 0 54 0
2009–10 34 0 2 0 0 0 6 0 42 0
2010–11 38 0 3 0 0 0 9 0 50 0
2011–12 34 0 7 0 2 0 13 0 56 0
2012–13 36 0 5 0 3 0 15 0 59 0
2013–14 34 0 1 0 0 0 10 0 45 0
2014–15 7 0 2 0 4 0 3 0 16 0
Chelsea total 333 0 33 0 17 0 103 0 486 0
2015–16 Arsenal Premier League 34 0 1 0 1 0 5 0 41 0
Arsenal total 34 0 1 0 1 0 5 0 41 0
Career total 491 0 45 0 19 0 120 0 674 0

Not including appearances in the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2012 and 2015 Community Shield, 2012 and 2013 UEFA Super Cup and 2012 FIFA Club World Cup

International

As of 6 September 2015
Czech Republic national team[115]
Year Apps Goals
2002 7 0
2003 8 0
2004 13 0
2005 10 0
2006 10 0
2007 8 0
2008 9 0
2009 7 0
2010 6 0
2011 10 0
2012 10 0
2013 8 0
2014 6 0
2015 6 0
Total 118 0

Honours

Club

Chelsea[116]
Arsenal[116]

International

Czech Republic

Individual

(* Jointly shared with Wojciech Szczęsny)

References

  1. ^ Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2005). The PFA Premier & Football League Players' Records 1946–2005. Queen Anne Press. p. 113. ISBN 1-85291-665-6.
  2. ^ "Player Profile: Petr Cech". Official Premier League website. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
  3. ^ "Petr Cech Bio, Stats, News – Football / Soccer". Espn Fc. 20 May 1982. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  4. ^ Ingo Faulhaber. "IFFHS". Iffhs.de. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  5. ^ "Buffon touts 'brave' Neuer among goalkeeping greats". FourFourTwo. 22 February 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  6. ^ "Mourinho's mistake". BSkyB. 26 November 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  7. ^ a b David Hytner (29 December 2015). "Petr Cech: the meticulous record breaker who 'likes to do things the right way'". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 December 2015.
  8. ^ a b Pattenden, Mike (8 August 2009). "The greatest save of my life: The day Chelsea's Petr Cech almost died". The Daily Mail. London. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
  9. ^ a b Štrunc, Robert (31 January 2001). "Čech sní o Barceloně, ale zamířil do Sparty". Mladá fronta DNES (in Czech). Czech Republic: MAFRA. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  10. ^ "Čech jde do Sparty, která přeplatila Brémy". Mladá fronta DNES (in Czech). Czech Republic: MAFRA. 29 January 2001. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  11. ^ "Brankář Čech si hlídal, aby mu rekord neutekl". Mladá fronta DNES (in Czech). Czech Republic: MAFRA. 4 November 2001. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  12. ^ Švéd, Jan (14 July 2003). "Rekordy: Čech nedostal gól 903 minut". Mladá fronta dnes (in Czech). Czech Republic: Marfa. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  13. ^ "Cech: Arsenal rejected me". ESPN. 23 March 2011. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  14. ^ Novák, Jaromír (9 July 2002). "Čech nejde do Anglie, ale do Rennes". Mladá fronta DNES (in Czech). Czech Republic: MAFRA. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  15. ^ a b "Čech je nejlepším gólmanem ve Francii". Mladá fronta DNES (in Czech). Czech Republic: MAFRA. 22 May 2003. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
  16. ^ "Čech vychytal Rennes záchranu". Mladá fronta DNES (in Czech). Czech Republic: MAFRA. 24 May 2003. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  17. ^ "Čech dubbed world's best keeper". BBC Sport. 9 March 2005. Retrieved 30 April 2008.
  18. ^ "Chelsea Cech bid rejected". BBC Sport. 7 January 2004. Retrieved 30 April 2008.
  19. ^ "Chelsea sign Cech". BBC Sport. 9 February 2004. Retrieved 30 April 2008.
  20. ^ a b Warren, Dan (30 April 2005). "Chelsea's magic numbers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 April 2008.
  21. ^ "Drogba deal, Zihavi and five clubs in transfer spotlight". espnstar.com. 15 June 2007. Archived from the original on 20 October 2007. Retrieved 6 September 2007.
  22. ^ "Cech content with debut". Sky Sports. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
  23. ^ a b Wilson, Steve (21 July 2008). "Petr Cech signs five-year extension at Chelsea with Michael Essien set to follow". The Telegraph. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  24. ^ "English Premier League 2005–2006 : Table". Statto.com. 17 August 2010. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
  25. ^ Willoughby, Ian (19 January 2006). "Young Czech football goalkeeper Petr Cech named best in world". Czech Radio. Czech Republic. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  26. ^ Johnson, William (2 February 2006). "Cech rewarded for Chelsea record with contract to 2010". The Telegraph. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  27. ^ "Brankář Čech poprvé Fotbalistou roku". Mladá fronta DNES (in Czech). Czech Republic: MAFRA. 27 February 2006. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
  28. ^ "Keeper Cech has shoulder surgery". BBC Sport. 27 June 2006. Retrieved 6 September 2007.
  29. ^ Sinnott, John (27 August 2006). "Blackburn 0–2 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 September 2007.
  30. ^ a b Lawrence, Amy (15 October 2006). "Rattled Chelsea get better of Reading after keeper crisis". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  31. ^ "Keeper Cech has surgery on skull". BBC Sport. 15 October 2006. Retrieved 16 October 2006.
  32. ^ Cross, John (28 October 2006). "I'LL BE BACK". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 18 April 2009. Retrieved 18 March 2012. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 20 October 2007 suggested (help)
  33. ^ "Doctors: Cech out for rest of season". soccerway.com. 16 October 2006. Retrieved 16 November 2006.
  34. ^ "Mourinho angry as keepers injured". BBC Sport. 14 October 2006. Retrieved 16 October 2006.
  35. ^ Wallace, Sam (18 October 2006). "Reading and NHS failed Cech, claims Mourinho". The Independent. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
  36. ^ "Referee Riley: I did not make Cech leave the pitch for treatment". Daily Mail. London. 16 October 2006. Retrieved 21 October 2006.
  37. ^ "Wenger fears for keepers' safety". BBC Sport. 17 October 2006. Retrieved 18 October 2006.
  38. ^ "English head games". Sports Illustrated. 19 October 2006. Retrieved 20 October 2006.
  39. ^ "Cech home and set to train". chelseafc.com. 24 October 2006. Archived from the original on 31 October 2007. Retrieved 25 October 2006.
  40. ^ "I don't remember Hunt collision, admits Cech". The Guardian. 27 October 2006. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
  41. ^ McNulty, Phil (20 January 2007). "Liverpool 2–0 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  42. ^ Benammar, Emily (21 July 2008). "Petr Cech follows Zinedine Zidane in sponsorship deal". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  43. ^ "Petr Cech named player of the month". czech.cz. 16 April 2007. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 6 September 2007.
  44. ^ McKenzie, Andrew (19 May 2007). "Chelsea 1–0 Manchester United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  45. ^ "Report: Chelsea vs Birmingham – English Premier League". ESPNsoccernet. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  46. ^ a b "Chelsea keeper Petr Cech may miss Premier League start". BBC Sport. 21 July 2010. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  47. ^ "Blackburn 0–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 23 December 2007. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  48. ^ "Report: Tottenham vs Chelsea – English Carling Cup". ESPNsoccernet. 24 February 2008. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  49. ^ Ley, John (6 March 2008). "Petr Cech hit by injury setback". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 8 May 2008. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  50. ^ "Cech suffers ankle injury". Sky Sports. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  51. ^ "Chelsea ready to risk keeper Cech". BBC Sport. 14 April 2008. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  52. ^ "Cech out for two weeks after fifty stitch operation". ESPNsoccernet. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  53. ^ Rob Hughes (8 April 2008). "Goalies find their fate in coaches' hands". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 8 April 2008.(subscription required)
  54. ^ Castles, Duncan (9 November 2008). "Cech the century maker makes case for defence". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 1 May 2009.
  55. ^ "West Ham 0–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 25 April 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
  56. ^ "Premier League table". BBC Sport. 24 May 2009. Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  57. ^ Bevan, Chris (30 May 2009). "Chelsea 2–1 Everton". BBC Sport. Retrieved 31 May 2009.
  58. ^ "Petr Cech says Carlo Ancelotti is "ideal" man for Chelsea". The Guardian. London. 6 July 2009. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  59. ^ McNulty, Phil (9 August 2009). "Chelsea 2 – 2 Man Utd". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  60. ^ Castles, Duncan (27 September 2009). "Wigan break winning run of mighty Chelsea". The Sunday Times. UK. Retrieved 27 September 2009.
  61. ^ "Keeper Cech ruled out for a month". BBC Sport. 25 February 2010. Retrieved 22 May 2010.
  62. ^ Wallace, Sam (15 April 2010). "Terry denies handball claim as Chelsea savour vital win". The Independent. Archived from the original on 17 April 2010. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  63. ^ Ronay, Barney (15 May 2010). "Success goes hand in glove with redemption for Petr Cech and Chelsea". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  64. ^ "Chelsea 2–0 Arsenal". Talk Chelsea. 3 October 2010. Retrieved 17 October 2010.
  65. ^ "Villa 0–0 Chelsea". Talk Chelsea. 16 October 2010. Retrieved 17 October 2010.
  66. ^ "Chelsea's Petr Cech out for up to four weeks with knee injury". BBC Sport. 18 August 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2011.
  67. ^ Novák, Miloslav (27 February 2012). "Fotbalistou roku je Čech, vyrovnal se legendě. Trenérům kraloval Vrba". Mladá fronta DNES (in Czech). Czech Republic: MAFRA. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
  68. ^ Rostance, Tom (24 March 2012). "Chelsea 0–0 Tottenham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  69. ^ "How it was Cech mate: Blues' No 1 reveals his logic that saved the day in Munich". Daily Mail. 20 May 2012. Retrieved 28 May 2012.
  70. ^ "UEFA.com – UEFA Champions League – Player Rater – Petr Čech Match statistics". En.uclratings.uefa.com. 6 November 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  71. ^ "Čech překonal Viktorův rekord v anketě Fotbalista roku a zahrál si i na bicí". Hospodářské noviny (in Czech). Czech Republic. 4 February 2013. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
  72. ^ "CECH COMMITS FOR FOUR MORE YEARS". Chelsea official website. 28 May 2012. Retrieved 28 May 2012.
  73. ^ "Latest News | News | Official Site | Chelsea Football Club". Chelseafc.com. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  74. ^ "BBC Sport – Chelsea 1–4 Atletico Madrid". Bbc.co.uk. 31 August 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  75. ^ "BBC Sport – John Terry: Chelsea skipper out for 'approximately three weeks'". Bbc.co.uk. 16 November 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  76. ^ "Ivanovic rises high in injury time to seal dramatic Europa League success for Benitez's Blues". Daily Mail. 15 May 2013. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
  77. ^ "Chelsea 4 Cardiff City 1: match report". The Telegraph. 19 October 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  78. ^ "Hull City 0–2 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 11 January 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  79. ^ "Čech becomes latest member of 100 club". UEFA. 18 March 2014.
  80. ^ "Chelsea: John Terry & Petr Cech injured for Premier League run-in". BBC. 22 April 2014. Retrieved 23 April 2014.
  81. ^ "Liverpool star Suarez named Barclays Player of the Season". talksport. 13 May 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  82. ^ "Time's running out for Cech: Rookie Courtois casts doubt over keeper's future". Daily Mail. 20 October 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  83. ^ McNulty, Phil (5 October 2014). "Chelsea 2–0 Arsenal". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  84. ^ Rose, Gary (21 October 2014). "Chelsea 6–0 Maribor". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  85. ^ "Chelsea 2–0 Hull". BBC Sport. 13 December 2014. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
  86. ^ "Petr Cech to stay at Chelsea as Mark Schwarzer joins Leicester". BBC Sport. 4 January 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  87. ^ "Chelsea 2–0 Newcastle". ESPN. 10 January 2015.
  88. ^ "Swansea City 0–5 Chelsea". ESPN. 17 January 2015.
  89. ^ "Terry drives Chelsea to Capital One Cup final win over Tottenham". The Guardian. 1 March 2015.
  90. ^ "Petr Čech on Twitter". 29 June 2015. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
  91. ^ "Petr Cech: Arsenal sign keeper from Chelsea in £10m deal". BBC Sport. 29 June 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  92. ^ "Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea: Wenger breaks Mourinho jinx to lift Community Shield". Goal.com. 2 August 2015. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  93. ^ "Arsenal 0–2 West Ham". BBC Sport. 9 August 2015.
  94. ^ "Arsenal 2–0 Bayern Munich". BBC Sport. 20 October 2015.
  95. ^ "Arsenal 2–0 Bournemouth". BBC Sport. 28 December 2015. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  96. ^ a b "Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech facing four weeks out with calf injury". Sky Sports. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  97. ^ "Arsenal land 500th Premier League win against West Brom". ESPNFC.com. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  98. ^ "Čech sparks Czech party". UEFA.com. 1 June 2002. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
  99. ^ "Zagorakis named top player". BBC Sport. 5 July 2004. Retrieved 13 April 2009.
  100. ^ "Euro 2008: Petr Cech blames himself for Czech Republic's spectacular collapse". The Daily Telegraph. London. 16 June 2008. Retrieved 13 April 2009.
  101. ^ Daniel Pudil cut from Czech Republic squad for Euro 2012. Goal.com (29 May 2012). Retrieved on 2016-05-15.
  102. ^ "Greece 1 – 2 Czech Rep". BBC Sport. 12 June 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
  103. ^ Euro 2012 – Czech Republic eliminates co-host Poland. Nytimes.com (17 June 2012). Retrieved on 2016-05-15.
  104. ^ Rostance, Tom. (21 June 2012) Czech Rep. 0–1 Portugal. Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved on 2016-05-15.
  105. ^ "Cech wins 100th cap as Vydra double delights Czechs". Reuters. Yerevan. 26 March 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  106. ^ "Petr Cech equals Karel Poborsky Czech Republic appearance record, Croatia come from behind to defeat Russia and Switzerland beat Austria in Vienna". Daily Mail. 18 November 2015. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  107. ^ Sale, Charles (25 April 2007). "Sports Agenda: Cech aims to stay ahead of the game". The Daily Mail. London. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  108. ^ White, Richard (18 October 2006). "Brain bug killed Cech's brother". The Sun. London. Retrieved 8 April 2008.
  109. ^ a b Riebauerová, Martina (30 June 2008). "Martina Čechová: Chybí mi manžel". Mladá fronta DNES (in Czech). Czech Republic: MAFRA. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  110. ^ "Fotbalový gólman Čech strávil poprvé v kariéře celou dovolenou v Čechách". Mladá fronta DNES (in Czech). Czech Republic: MAFRA. 4 July 2009. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  111. ^ Anna Molly drum cover by Petr Cech. YouTube (14 March 2015). Retrieved on 2016-05-15.
  112. ^ "Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech covers Incubus' 'Anna Molly' in drum tutorial video – watch". NME. 21 March 2015. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  113. ^ Cross, John (29 December 2015). "Petr Cech insists he wouldn't have joined Arsenal if he didn't think they could win Premier League". The Daily Mirror. London. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
  114. ^ "Peter Cech Career Stats". Soccerbase. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  115. ^ a b Cech.html "Petr Čech". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 19 October 2013. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  116. ^ a b "P. Čech". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 December 2015.
  117. ^ "Under-21 – History –". Uefa.com. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  118. ^ "All-star squad revealed". UEFA.com (Union of European Football Associations). 5 July 2004. Archived from the original on 7 July 2004. Retrieved 5 July 2012.
  119. ^ "Petr Cech & Wojciech Szczesny share the Barclays Golden Glove". Premierleague via Twitter. 12 May 2014. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  120. ^ "Čech voted Czech player of the year". UEFA.com. 2 March 2010.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Petr Čech.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Petr_Čech&oldid=720768861"