Seaman surprised by Cech retirement plans

Former England, Arsenal and Manchester City goalkeeper David Seaman has expressed his surprise at Petr Cech's decison to retire at the end of this season. In an interview with 'Sky Sports News', Seaman said he believed the Czech keeper could continue playing for a while longer. 

"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. 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.'"

Seaman also recalled how his own retirement came about, and how he has enjoyed life post-football.

"I remember the time as plain as day," he said. "I was playing for Man City, we were playing Wolves away, the ball was down the other end, and I had the feeling of 'what am I doing?' I knew then that was the time to call it a day. I went in the next day and told Kevin [Keegan]. I was ready and have been happily retired ever since. It was 15 years on Monday since I retired and I have enjoyed every day since."

The legendary was full of praise for Cech's ability and achievements. "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."

Cech came to the Premier League in 2004, and was instrumental to Chelsea's huge success in the mid-noughties. A nasty head collision in 2006 put his career briefly in doubt, but he came back and remained Chelsea's first-choice keeper until being replaced by Thibaut Courtois in 2014. Cech has racked up 110 appearances for Arsenal since his arrival, and holds the record for the most Premier League clean sheets, with 202.