Former Premier League goalkeeper Petr Cech may have retired from football in 2019, but the 40-year-old certainly hasn't stopped putting on the gear between the posts.
Cech switched to ice hockey after hanging up his boots, and signed for Guildford Phoenix in 2019 - continuing to play in his spare time while acting as a technical and performance advisor at Chelsea. However, following the club takeover when Todd Boehly took over from Roman Abramovich, Cech left his role.
And now that Cech is free to focus on ice hockey full-time, he's signed NIHL South Division 1 side Chelmsford Chieftains for the 2022/23 season. Cech won all there was to win with the Phoenix last year, and now he's stepped up a division to become a netminder for the Chieftains.
The Chieftains announced the exciting signing on Sunday, with Cech coming off the back of a famous treble winning season with the Phoenix. But he's switching Surrey for Essex, as his incredible journey in ice hockey continues.
Chieftains head coach Mark Saunders reflected on the signing, and said: "Having a netminder of Petr’s quality and experience come into our squad is a huge boost for us right now. He brings a winning mentality, a desire to compete every single time he’s on the ice and we look forward to seeing him add to our group this campaign."
And Cech also admitted he was ready for a new test, and hopes to help them achieve success this season. Cech said: "I’m excited for a new challenge with the Chieftains and I’m looking forward to helping the team reach their targets for the season."
Cech is one of the greatest Premier League goalkeepers of all-time, winning four league titles for Chelsea while holding the record for clean sheets within the division (202). But Cech's passion for goalkeeping extends beyond football, as he's popped on his skates following retirement.
The 40-year-old was enjoying his time as an advisor at Chelsea, and famously came out to address fans who were protesting against the European Super League. But Cech decided to leave his role after the club was taken over by Boehly, even though the American reportedly did his best to keep hold of him.
It was all change amongst the board when the ownership of Chelsea passed hands, but Cech felt as though a new change of direction required fresh recruitment. "It has been a huge privilege to perform this role at Chelsea for the past three years," Cech told club media when leaving.
"With the Club under new ownership, I feel now is the right time for me to step aside. I am pleased that the Club is now in an excellent position with the new owners, and I am confident of its future success both on and off the pitch."
And Boehly wished Cech all the best, despite being disappointed that he was losing a popular figure. "Petr is an important member of the Chelsea family," Boehly said.
"We understand his decision to step away and thank him for his contributions as an advisor and his commitment to the club and to our community. We wish him the best."
