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Premier League legend makes professional ice hockey debut at 41 years old after joining champions


THIS Premier League legend has just made his professional ice hockey debut.

That’s despite being 41 years old.

Former Chelsea and Arsenal goalie Petr Cech made his pro ice hockey debut on SaturdayCredit: X/officialEIHL
Cech came on for top-level champions Belfast Giants as a goaltenderCredit: Reuters

Petr Cech is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in history after starring for 11 seasons at Chelsea.

He played 494 games for the Londoners during their golden era under Roman Abramovich.

And Cech lifted four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a Europa League and a Champions League during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Cech then spent four seasons starring for rivals Arsenal, where he won an FA Cup before retiring in 2019.

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After hanging up his boots, he returned to Chelsea as technical director and saw his old side land yet another Champions League title.

However, Cech also kept active during this time by taking up ice hockey.

Following his Arsenal exit, he signed up with amateur side Guildford Phoenix in the fourth tier of British hockey as a goaltender.

In 2022 he moved up a league with the Chelmsford Chieftains.

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Cech made a big save as he got five minutes on the iceCredit: X/officialEIHL
Cech is best remembered by football fans for his trophies at ChelseaCredit: Getty

And in June he penned a deal with rivals Oxford City Stars.

But earlier this month, Cech finally got his big break in the top pro flight after being snapped up by the Elite Ice Hockey League champions Belfast Giants.

And he was handed a glittering professional debut at the age of 41 during Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Glasgow Clan.

Getting five minutes off the bench, Cech pulled off a fine save as the result helped Giants leapfrog their rivals into fifth place.

And fans aren’t surprised he’s doing the business in a second sport after lighting up the beautiful game for so many years. 

One said: “It’s been awesome to watch his (second) career.”

Another declared: “How awesome is this?”

One noted: “Loved him as a soccer goalie.”

Another added: “What a legend.”


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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