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maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 16 JANUARY 2019 20 FOOTBALL SPORTS ARSENAL keeper Petr Cech is to re- tire at the end of the season. The 36-year-old joined Arsenal in June 2015 from the club's London ri- vals Chelsea, where he spent 11 years. "Having played 15 years in the Pre- mier League and won every single tro- phy possible, I feel like I have achieved everything I set out to achieve," said the ex-Czech Republic international. "I will continue to work hard at Ar- senal to hopefully win one more tro- phy this season." Cech's career was in doubt in Octo- ber 2006 when he required surgery for a skull fracture after a collision with Reading's Stephen Hunt. The keeper was out for three months and has since worn a protective head- guard during games. He added: "This is my 20th season as a professional player and it has been 20 years since I signed my first pro- fessional contract, so it feels like the right time to announce that I will re- tire. "I am looking forward to seeing what life holds for me off the pitch." 'A champion on and off the pitch' Cech arrived in England when he was signed by Chelsea from French club Rennes in July 2004. He went on to win 13 trophies with the Stamford Bridge club, including one Champions League and four Pre- mier League titles. He also set a club record of 228 clean sheets in all competitions, beating the previous mark of 208 set by former England international Peter Bonetti between 1960 and 1979. Cech eventually lost his place to Bel- gian Thibaut Courtois before joining Arsenal and helping the Gunners win the FA Cup in 2017. "For your consummate professional- ism, for being the perfect role model, for the 50 clean sheets, for your hon- esty, your integrity and for your in- spiring work with the Arsenal Foun- dation, we want to say - thank you Petr Cech," tweeted Arsenal. In a statement on their website, the club added: "Petr recently informed us of his decision. Like all football fans, we are sad about this, but com- pletely understand and support Petr." "A champion on and off the pitch," said a message from Chelsea. "Enjoy your retirement." Cech started this season as Arsenal first choice keeper but has since lost his place to Bernd Leno. The Czech has made 12 appearances for the Gunners this season, with his most recent coming when he started in the FA Cup third round win at Blackpool. Cech has also played in Europa League and League Cup games, but has not played in the league since go- ing off injured in the win over Wat- ford on 29 September. Arsenal, who are fifth in the Premier League, host fourth-placed Chelsea in the top flight on Saturday. Cech's main chances of adding to his trophy haul appear to be in the FA Cup and Europa League. The Gunners play Manchester Unit- ed in the next round of the FA Cup, with the competition's final on 19 May - the day before Cech turns 37. Arsenal play BATE Borisov in the next round of the Europa League, with the final of that competition on 29 May. Cudicini played with fellow keeper Cech at Chelsea Petr Cech: Arsenal keeper to retire at the end of the season