UEL Final: Arsenal goalie Cech preps for retirement - my dream is 'to end my career against Chelsea' and 'win the trophy'

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech celebrates after his side scaled through Spanish side Valencia to reach the UEFA Europa League Final - Paul Currie/BPI/REX/Shutterstock/TheGuardian

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech says it will be a "dream" to face former club Chelsea in the Europa League final in the last game of his career.


The Gunners booked their place in Baku after beating Valencia 7-3 on aggregate in the semi-final, and Cech, 36, is set to retire after the final.

Cech has consistently played in Europe this term, despite dropping behind Bernd Leno in the Premier League.

"It will be remarkable to end my career against Chelsea," he told BT Sport.

"The last dream was to play this European final and it has come true. Now the dream is to win the trophy."

Cech added: "You have days when you play well and you think you could continue, but I think I have made the decision with a lot of thought.

"I could possibly go another two years but I would rather retire early than too late."