Petr Cech is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and one of the greatest keepers in Premier League’s history. He is known for his reflexes, command of his box and for his bravery. He is also known for his trademark protective head gear. So what’s the story behind that?
On 14th October, 2006, in Chelsea’s game against Reading, a collision with Stephen Hunt almost cost Cech his life. Hunt’s right knee hit Cech’s head and caused a skull fracture. After all these years, Cech has no recollection of the injury. He returned to football after 3 months, debuting his trademark head gear. The match is also iconic because Cech’s replacement, substitute Carlo Cudicini got injured too and Chelsea captain and central defender John Terry had to keep goal for the final few minutes.
Petr Cech returned to football after a few months and after a nervy start, it seemed as though he never was away beoming a brickwall for Chelsea. He would win many more titles at the club, including some of the best performances ever seen by a goalkeeper in the UEFA Champions League semi-final and final, when Chelsea would go on to lift the trophy.
He would then move to Arsenal, as he was displaced by Thibaut Courtois as the first choice goalkeeper for Chelsea, where he is still going strong.
