Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League semi-final second-leg tie against Valencia, Petr Cech suggested that potentially facing off against Chelsea during the final game of his career could be “too much”. Arsenal defeated Valencia 4-2 in Spain on Thursday and recorded a 7-3 victory on aggregate. They are now set to face off against their English rivals Chelsea during the Europa League final at the end of the month.
This certainly will not be the way in which Cech would have wanted to end his career. He will stand a chance to end his career with a piece of silverware which is always delightful. However, in doing so, he may have to cause hurt to the club where he has legendary status. He represented the Blues between 2004-2015 and was widely regarded as being one of the best keepers in the world during the majority of his time at Stamford Bridge.
Cech helped the West London outfit to win multiple Premier League titles and most famously the Champions League final in 2012. The 36-year-old has served as back-up keeper for the Gunners in the Premier League this season to Bernd Leno. He has however played regularly in Cup competitions. His lack of first team action this season was probably a big factor behind his decision to hang up his gloves.
“Playing against Chelsea in the final looks a big possibility, with us in a good position and them having the second game at home,” Cech told The Daily Mail. “I don’t know if it’s a dream scenario.
“You have the last game of your career, a European final and then you have an emotional attachment to the opposition team, which probably is a bit too much. But if it happens, it happens.”
