Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech starred for the Belfast Giants All Stars in a charity ice hockey game against Ukrainian National Championship side Dnipro Kherson on Wednesday night at the age of 40.
The 2012 Champions League winner played in goal during the first half of the match at the SSE Arena in Belfast as his side won 9-7. Speaking afterwards, he admitted he never wanted to play football as a youngster, and instead always wanted his career to be on the ice.
“As a kid I always wanted to play ice hockey ahead of football but in the end I ended up playing football and I don’t regret that as I had a fantastic time playing football,” Cech said ahead of the showdown. “But I’m glad as well that I have the opportunity now after my football career that I can go back to my first love and enjoy it.
“I got a phone call [and was] asked whether I would want to join the team to play this beautiful event. Obviously I didn’t hesitate. I just checked my calendar and when I saw I could come over and play then obviously I did so because it’s for a great cause and we are in an amazing arena.”
Cech was in fine form for the Giants and conceded just one goal during his cameo appearance. And after the match he added: “The Belfast Giants fans have been amazing throughout the season and this game was no different.
"It’s been a pleasure to be here, to feel the atmosphere, to participate for a great cause and to raise so much money. Well done to everyone involved.”
Wednesday’s match was in aid of Ukrainian Hockey Dream, the registered charity of the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine. And following the encounter, a cheque for £50,000 - the total sum raised so far - was presented to the charity, with a further donation set to be announced.
Cech enjoyed an 11-year stint at Chelsea between 2004 and 2015 and helped the west London giants win four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League during his 494 appearances for the club. He went on to feature 139 times for Arsenal and was part of the Gunners team that won the FA Cup in 2017.
Cech left Arsenal in 2019 and joined ice hockey side Guildford Phoenix after announcing his retirement from football. He signed for his current team Chelmsford Chieftains last November.
