Petr Cech insisted he had 'no regrets' after producing a fine display despite Arsenal losing 4-1 to Chelsea in the Europa League final in what is set to be his last professional game.
In January, the veteran goalkeeper announced his intention to retire from the game at the end of the season after winning 16 trophies throughout his career.
Cech was surprisingly selected to start the final despite serving as back-up to Bernd Leno for most of the season, but despite justifying his selection admitte dhe was frustrated at finishing the season trophy-less.
Cech told BT Sport: 'I’m proud of myself. I’m as well proud of the way I played today. When you play your last game in the final and there’s a lot of pressure, a lot of speculation, all the things about Chelsea, I had to perform and I have to say I've done everything so I can look back and have no regrets about today.
'Apart the fact that we worked so hard all year and in the end we have nothing. I think it’s something this group of players don’t deserve.
'Because behind the scenes, the coaching staff, the people who come every day, they can’t see behind the scenes how much work has been done this season. It’s easy to say we finish empty handed, but I can assure everybody who’s supporting us, the work we have done during the season will come next season, and this team will be much stronger.'
Cech was adamant he would wait until his Arsenal contract expires on June 30 before making a final decision on his future after the game.
'I kept saying, this is the most disappointing thing. You keep saying to everybody I want to lift the trophy and sit down and think. Until June 30 I’m still an Arsenal player, until that point I won’t decide on anything.'
weights
63
He should have ended his career with Chelsea and then he wouldn't have that blemish on his career or the memory of the worst defence that's ever played in from of him on his mind now. An absolutely astute professional and you could see that from his tears tonight. It's one of the greatest shames in sport that he had to go out like that tonight. Really feel for him.
unclein
60
He was still one of Arsenal's best players on the night despite the final scoreline, he made a few great saves and it could have been even worse for Arsenal. It's great that he will be back at the club soon in his new Technical Director role 💙
Mattmarlon
48
Thank you for the great times and thank you for being a Chelsea legend.
message
47
I guess the only player who will be applauded at both Chelsea and Arsenal
king1995
44
Eventhough you lost the game with Arsenal (current-club), you are the winner of the trophy with your PARENT CLUB CHELSEA. LOVE YOU CECH!!! YOU ARE BLUE FOREVER
YourHighness
44
You will forever be an EPL legend, retiring as one of the best goalkeepers the Premier League has seen! Good luck with post-retirement, Petr Cech!