Carlo Cudicini has hailed Petr Cech as the best goalkeeper of the Premier League era, and says his former Chelsea team-mate and old friend has never been happy sitting on the bench.
The tributes have poured in for Cech after the Stamford Bridge legend announced on Tuesday his decision to retire at the end of the season.
It will bring to a close a decorated career, which has seen him win 14 major trophies during a 15-year spell in the Premier League for Chelsea and Arsenal and set the all-time record for league clean sheets – 202.
The 36-year-old has lost his spot as the Gunners’ number one keeper this season to summer signing Bernd Leno, and instead of looking for a new club Cech has decided this season will be his last as a player.
The announcement took many by surprise, with Arsenal legend Bob Wilson telling talkSPORT he was ‘absolutely shocked’ by Cech’s decision to hang up his gloves at such a young age for a goalkeeper.
But close friend Cudicini admits he was not shocked by the timing, telling the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “Over the last few months obviously his Arsenal career has turned in a different way.
“So I was actually not so surprised because I know him so well and I know he doesn’t like to be sitting on the bench.
“He has had an unbelievable career.”
Cech’s announcement has sparked a debate over the best goalkeeper of the Premier League era.
Manchester United Peter Schmeichel is often hailed as the best ever, but Cudicini has no doubt who the real GOAT goalie is…
“I think the record and numbers talk for themselves.
“Petr has been a great goalkeeper for the Premier League, for what he’s achieved.
“But more than that, when you look at Petr you look at an unbelievable goalkeeper but a top man as well.
“He’s really prepared in whatever he does, he’s a great professional and I think his great strength was his consistency.
“He’s such a great guy on and off the pitch, he’s a role model, he’s got a great personality in the dressing room – he’s just got everything.”
