Former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech says it is an “honour” to be voted into the Premier League Hall of Fame – and described it as a “special recognition” for his hard work.
Cech joined the Premier League in 2004 when he signed for Chelsea, going on to win four league titles with the club before he left for Arsenal in 2015.
The Czech Republic goalkeeper was given the Premier League Golden Glove award four times in his career and says his latest recognition means a lot to him.
“When I was a child growing up in communist Czechoslovakia, playing in the Premier League was an unimaginable dream,” he said.
“When I look back to where I started, diving on rock solid pitches with stones like golf balls, it has been an amazing journey.
“I hope to be known as someone who showed effort, commitment, and consistency. Making a great save feels the same as scoring a goal and I’m proud of my clean sheet record, but I was even more happy when those clean sheets won matches and points for the team and contributed to titles.
“It’s an honour for me to be voted into the Hall of Fame in the best league in the world. That’s really a special recognition and leaves a legacy.
“I’m proud that fans voted for me and appreciated the way I performed over the years.”
Cech has become the latest inductee into the Hall of Fame alongside former Arsenal defender Tony Adams and Rio Ferdinand, who played for Manchester United, West Ham, Leeds and QPR across his Premier League career.
The trio join several other Premier League legends in being inducted, such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and many more.