Petr Cech has revealed he is looking to concentrate on playing for Arsenal after the European Championships in France this summer.
The shot stopper made his debut for the Czech Republic back in 2002 against Hungary as a 19 year-old, and kept clean sheets in both of his opening appearances.
He has come a long way since then, and is now the joint-most capped player for his country, and is the current captain of their side going into the upcoming summer tournament.
Unfortunately for the Czechs (great for us), the 33 year-old is preparing to cut his ties to his home federation, in order to concentrate on his club playing career.
“I’m turning thirty-four and it’s time for me to consider it,” Petr Cech posted on his official website.
“The other day I thought, ‘isn’t it time after fourteen years on the national team to think about bringing this chapter of your life to a close?’
“Though it’s too early to say, I’m counting on the possibility.
“The less I have to travel around and play for the national team, the higher the probability that I’ll be able to retain my focus at Arsenal. After all, I’m not getting any younger.
“I feel on top physically, but it’s been the same things all over again since 2002 – way too much travelling around and barely any time for rest.
“You eventually reach a point in your career when it becomes time to come to a halt and choose a new direction, that point will come after the Euros.”
Petr Cech has been outstanding for us in his debut season, and has shown little signs of ageing, but he has more than done his part for the Czech Republic, and I hope they will accept his decision if he does confirm his exit from the international scene.
Just how many years do you think we will have the pleasure of Cech before age does start to show?