Ex-Premier League legend says he enjoys playing hockey more than in the Champions League
Upon his retirement from professional football, former Premier League goalkeeper Petr Cech decided to follow his childhood dreams to play hockey. In 2019, he signed for the Guilford Phoenix, before moving to the Chelmsford Chieftains last year, both of whom are semi-professional teams in England.
"It's a completely different level of pressure. This is more fun than when you play a Champions League game for everything," Cech said. "I still have that feeling in myself because I want to perform. I want to win. I hate losing. It's the same feeling I had when I played football."
He added, "I love football but I felt being an ice hockey goalie was more fun. As a family we couldn't afford to buy all the equipment so my dad took me to football. In the end, football won."
He added, "I love football but I felt being an ice hockey goalie was more fun. As a family we couldn't afford to buy all the equipment so my dad took me to football. In the end, football won."
The 40-year-old played professional football for 20 years for Chmel Blsany, Sparta Prague, Rennes, Chelsea and Arsenal. He also represented his country, Czechia, on 124 occasions between 2002 and 2016, including the 2004, 2008 and 2012 European Championships, as well as the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Cech won the Premier League title with Chelsea on four occasions, as well as the UEFA Champions League during the 2011-12 season. He was named Czech Footballer of the Year nine times and Premier League gold glove award five times.
Source: The Mirror
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