Petr Cech retires: Arsenal goalkeeper to call time on career at end of season

'I feel like I have achieved everything I set out to achieve'

Petr Cech stands as one of the greatest goalkeepers of the Premier League era (Getty)

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech has announced that he will be retiring at the end of the season.

After 15 years in the Premier League, during which time he won multiple trophies with both Chelsea and Arsenal, the former Czech international has called time on his illustrious career.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Cech said: “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 at the end of the season.

“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.

“I will continue to work hard at Arsenal to hopefully win one more trophy this season, then I am looking forward to seeing what life holds for me off the pitch.”

Cech, who started his senior career at FK Chmel Blsany in 1999, first moved to the Premier League in 2004 after signing for Chelsea for £7million.

During his time in west London, the goalkeeper helped the club win four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, one Europa League title, and one Champions League trophy.

Across 11 years at Chelsea, Cech registered 486 senior appearances, making him the club's highest overseas appearance maker, and sixth all-time. He also holds the club all-time record for clean sheets, with 220 to his name.

He left Chelsea in 2015 to join rivals Arsenal for £10m, later winning another FA Cup and two FA Community Shields under Arsene Wenger.

Cech won four Premier League titles during his time at Chelsea (Getty)

Tributes to Cech, who stands as one of the greatest goalkeepers of the Premier League era, have flooded in since news of his impending retirement.

“Congratulations on a truly outstanding career to @PetrCech,” former England international Gary Lineker said on Twitter. ”A wonderful goalkeeper, professional and gentleman who has been an absolute credit to our game.

“Wish him all the very best in his retirement at the end of the season.”

Arsenal tweeted: "For your consummate professionalism, for being the perfect role model, for the 50 clean sheets, for your honesty, your integrity and for your inspiring work with @AFC_Foundation, we want to say…

"Thank you, @PetrCech!"