Petr Cech is now the most-capped player in Czech history after being handed a start in their friendly against Malta (presuming he doesn’t get injured before kick-off).
The Arsenal man was named in the starting line up for the game that kicks-off at 5pm UK time.
A sure-fire star of the upcoming Euros, and one worth using a promo code and free bet from Ladbrokes on, the Arsenal man is making his 119th senior international appearance, one more than former Manchester United man, Karel Poborski with whom he shared the record until today.
Speaking before the game, Cech revealed that he had never imagined this day would come, stating that all he had ever wanted was to play for his country once…and then as much as possible.
“I never thought of this thought,” Cech told reporters in his homeland.
“My dream was to play for the national team at least once, so that I fulfilled.
“My goal was never to come out and say ‘you get the record for the number of starts’. My goal was to have the chance to play these games as much as possible and I then did, so I’m obviously pleased.
“It’s such a personal achievement that a man lasts for twelve or fourteen years giving those performances that will bring him the selection and the chance to play again in the next match.
“That’s the satisfaction, if overcome Karel or not is secondary.”
The Premier League’s Golden Glove winner for 15/16 will no doubt be looking to make sure he adds a number of appearances more to his total.
As he shows no signs of hanging up his gloves any time soon, who knows what total he could reach.
Well done, Petr!
In other news, a certain Tomas Rosicky was also named in the starting lineup:
Tomas Rosicky & Petr Čech akan menjadi starter saat Ceko vs. Malta sesaat lagi (K.O 23:00 WIB) pic.twitter.com/aprCpWjL8s
— Gooners Report Indo (@Gooners_Report) May 27, 2016
And he seems to be captain:
Tomas Rosicky akan menjadi Captain Ceko. #Rosicky10 pic.twitter.com/y38eWPB6W5
— Gooners Report Indo (@Gooners_Report) May 27, 2016
Good luck, Tom!