CHELSEA legend Petr Cech has been enjoying some unusual hobbies and activities since quitting football – but the beautiful game is still in the family.
Cech, who won everything with Chelsea during a celebrated 11-year stint at Stamford Bridge, announced the end of his marriage this week.
It was a sad update from Cech, who has been living life to the full in retirement.
The iconic keeper won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, the Europa League and Champions League during his playing days.
The former Czech Republic international’s career ended in 2019 after four years with Arsenal, where he won the FA Cup and cemented his place as a true Premier League legend.
The Czech legend returned to his beloved Chelsea as technical and performance advisor shortly after his retirement.
In 2020, the ex-Rennes star was even included in the West Londoners’ 25-man Premier League squad for the 2020–21 season as an emergency goalkeeper and non-contract player due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But Cech’s time with Chelsea came to an end once more in 2022 following the club’s takeover by Todd Boehly.
Between the sticks
The famous shot stopper has been officially retired since his shock emergency stint, but has remained active between the sticks… only in a different sport.
Cech crossed over to ice hockey playing as a goaltender in his spare time for the likes of the Belfast Giants, Chelmsford Chieftains and Guildford Phoenix.
And he remains active in the rink as he now plays for the Oxford City Stars in the NIHL South Division 1.
When not playing with his hockey stick, he’s using sticks of a different sort.
He’s become a keen drummer in his downtime, often posting about his love for it on social media.
He opened up about what it meant to him, posting: “When a sports career ends, it’s not just the jersey that disappears from the hanger.
“The entire routine fades.
“No alarm for training, no weekend matches, no team around you.
“And suddenly, you ask yourself: ‘What now?’
“For me, it meant finding a new rhythm.
“Music gave me that rhythm. Drumming kept me present.”
Footy-loving kids
Meanwhile, Cech’s two children are following in his footsteps looking to carve up a similar football career.
His son Damian, 16, and daughter Adela, 17, are currently playing for Fulham as a goalkeeper and defender respectively.
Damian recently signed a professional contract with the Cottagers, while Adela also competes for the Czech Republic’s Under-17s where she recently made her debut.
Cech was pictured alongside his boy when he put pen to paper with Fulham.
Split with wife
Also present was Cech’s wife Martina Dolejsova, who it was announced this week he was splitting from.
The legendary goalie and Martina Dolejsova, who had been together for a total of 26 years, announced the end of their marriage but insist they remain best friends.
They had been married 22 years.
Cech has also taken up public speaking and is expected to appear at Clapham Grand in October.
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