Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech joins Belfast Giants ice hockey team

41-year-old will provide ‘temporary emergency cover’ in short-term deal from Oxford City Stars

Petr Cech of Guildford Phoenix Ex Arsenal and Chelsea Player
during National  Ice Hockey League between Guildford Phoenix and Swindon Wildcats 2 at Guildford Spectrum Stadium in Guildford, England on October 13, 2019
 (Photo by Action Foto Sport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Petr Cech of Guildford Phoenix Ex Arsenal and Chelsea Player during National Ice Hockey League between Guildford Phoenix and Swindon Wildcats 2 at Guildford Spectrum Stadium in Guildford, England on October 13, 2019 (Photo by Action Foto Sport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has joined Elite Ice Hockey outfit Belfast Giants on a temporary loan. The 41-year-old, who retired from football in 2019, joins on a short-term deal as “temporary emergency cover” from Oxford City Stars of the National Ice Hockey League South Division One.

Giants head coach Adam Keefe said in a statement: “We’re very appreciative of the support of both the Oxford City Stars and Petr himself.

“Petr is a highly decorated athlete, who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level, so his support during this loan period will be invaluable.”

Cech moved to England from Rennes in 2004 as one of the early signings of Chelsea’s Roman Abramovich era. He won four Premier League titles during 11 years at Stamford Bridge, as well as five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League.

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He signed for Arsenal in 2015 and played for the Gunners until hanging up his boots four years later, having made over 440 Premier League appearances in total. He also won 124 caps for the Czech Republic during a 14-year international career.