Petr Cech announces retirement from international football

The 34-year-old holds a record 121 caps for his country and played all three games as Pavel Vbra's side exited Euro 2016 at the group stage.

Petr Cech announces retirement from international football

Arsenal and Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech has announced his international retirement.

The 34-year-old holds a record 121 caps for his country and played all three games as Pavel Vbra's side exited Euro 2016 at the group stage with just one point.

Cech made his senior international debut in 2002 and went on to represent the Czech Republic at Euro 2004 - where they finished third - and the 2006 World Cup before captaining the side at Euro 2008.

While 2006 proved to be his only chance to appear in the World Cup finals, Cech would go on to play for his country at Euro 2012 and Euro 2016 - but has now called time on his international career.

"@PetrCech has announced his international retirement - congratulations on a record-breaking career," Arsenal tweeted.

Cech himself posted a message accompanied by a picture of him in the dressing room with his Czech team-mates.

"We lived some amazing moments together - Wishing the team all the best for the future #CZE," he wrote.

Cech moved to Arsenal last summer from London rivals Chelsea but ended his first season with the Gunners empty-handed as they finished a distant second to surprise Premier League champions Leicester.

During the season, Cech did take the record for the most clean sheets in Premier League history and now, having won four league titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League across town at Chelsea - he is setting his eyes on lifting trophies once again.

"For the next season the aim is to add some silverware into the cabinet, but we expect a big challenge as well," he told Sky Sports News on Thursday.

"So many teams are buying players and improving, everybody wants to be in the top four, and will be challenging for the title."

more courts articles

Football fan given banning order after mocking Munich air disaster Football fan given banning order after mocking Munich air disaster
Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van

More in this section

Bayern Munich v Arsenal - UEFA Champions League - Quarter-Final - Second Leg - Allianz Arena Mikel Arteta: What Arsenal still have to play for is beautiful
Manchester City v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League - Quarter-Final - Second Leg - Etihad Stadium Against De Bruyne, Bellingham shows why he has the world at his feet
Bayern Munich v Arsenal - UEFA Champions League - Quarter-Final - Second Leg - Allianz Arena Kimmich goal ends Gunners' Champions League dream in Munich
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited