Cech retires, beaten by the team he helped build

Still under contract with Arsenal, Cech wouldn't comment on his future.

"I wanted to lift the trophy and then sit down and think. Until the 30th of June I'm still an Arsenal player," he said. "So obviously until that point I won't decide on anything."

Cech's career was almost very different.

Back in 2006, when he collided with Reading's Stephen Hunt and received a serious head injury, it seemed doubtful he would ever play again. But with two metal plates inserted into his skull, and the rugby-style headgear which he's worn ever since, Cech was back on the field three months later.