STOKE-ON-TRENT, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Petr Cech of Arsenal applauds after the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Arsenal at the Britannia Stadium on January 17, 2016 in Stoke-on-Trent, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s Petr Cech is rumored to be considered retiring from international duty. This should be music to the ears of Arsenal fans, with their number one keeper entering his second season with the club.

For many years, each and every Summer there have been clamors for Wenger to invest in a goalkeeper. Not since the days of Jens Lehman and David Seaman have the Gunners had a keeper that instills confidence.

The worrying days of Manuel Almunia, Flapianski and even Wojceich Szczesny are long in the past, however, with last year’s addition of Petr Cech. The former Chelsea shot stopper was exactly what he was advertised as last season: dependable.

“I will take a time to decide if I continue in national team” – Petr Cech

While never being truly phenomenal, Cech was, dare I say it, boring. But that is exactly what he was bought to be; a safe pair of hands. However, recent reports suggest that he is now considering international future after a disappointing European Championships.

The Czech Republic struggled in a tough group, and with a squad that is only aging and declining, Cech sees the national side as a project that he does not want to be apart of. Cech himself did not play to his immaculate best in the tournament and now at the age of 34, he is seriously doubting his future role with his country.



This should be news that makes Arsenal hearts sing. When Cech was signed many were worried about the longevity of his career, suggesting that he may only be at his best for a year or so. One thing that will help keep the Arsenal number one fresh is a one track focus.

From a club perspective, the national team is nothing more than an unwanted distraction. If Cech does indeed retire, he will be able to wholly focus on his club football. He will not be distracted by other footballing issues, will be able to rest and recuperate during international breaks and extend his career at the top.

This is crucial if Arsenal are to get their money’s worth. Two years of Cech is not worth the £10 million the Gunners paid for him. For a goalkeeper, a seven figure fee is certainly significant, and if that only returns two seasons of play, then such a deal can only be considered as a failure.

Thankfully, Cech may well retire from international duty, and that is a decision that will only extend his career, something that Arsenal fans should be truly ecstatic about.