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What's the story?
Former English goalkeeper and Arsenal great David Seaman has expressed his surprise at the Czech custodian's decision to retire at the end of the season but admitted every goalkeeper knows when to draw a curtain on their career.
In case you didn't know...
Petr Cech announced that he will be hanging up his gloves, putting an end to an illustrious 20-year long career, at the end of the season, in a Twitter statement on Tuesday.
The heart of the matter
David Seaman, who represented the Arsenal between 1990 and 2003 in a 13-year long association with the Gunners, before calling it a day the very next year after leaving at the age of 40 to join Manchester City, expressed his amazement at the Czech international's decision to retire at the age of 36, and believes that he called an end to his career a bit too early.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, the former English goalkeeper said,
"Honestly, I was surprised, he's only 36. I thought it was a little early but when you are a goalkeeper, you know when it is time to retire," Seaman told Sky Sports News.
"Petr has had his own chat with people and he has his own thoughts as well. For him it is the right time but I just thought it was a little bit early.
"I was ready. I was 40 and had been 22 years a pro, and really enjoyed myself. Petr's 36 and I can't help thinking he might feel 'I could have gone on for another couple of years.'"
And when talking about the legacy left by Cech, Seaman said,
"He was one of the best, no doubt, The standard he set when he came in was brilliant and that has been proven by all the trophies he has won.
What's next?
Petr Cech and Arsenal host London rivals Chelsea in what could be an emotional day for the away fans who will get to see their legend live probably for the last time in a football jersey.
The former Czech No.1 will finish the final few months of his professional career with Arsenal, despite being behind Bernd Leno in the pecking order.
