Petr Čech retires from international football

July 11, 2016

On Friday, Arsenal F.C. goalkeeper and Czech Republic football captain announced retirement from international football. Debuting fourteen years ago, Čech made 124 international appearances and became his nation's most player. The 34-year-old goalkeeper said, "This is a purely football-based decision. [...] I'm now 34 and the next [international] tournament is in two years which, in football, is a very long time."

Čech said his childhood dream was to play a match in the national jersey. He has conceded 115 goals. Debuting against Hungary, he played his last international match against Turkey in the UEFA Euro 2016 group stage.

Čech has played four Euro tournaments, winning the bronze medal in 2004. He was voted Czech Footballer of the Year eight times and won the golden ball ten times.

Čech plays for Arsenal in the. He has made 367 Premier League appearances for Chelsea F.C. and Arsenal.