Petr Cech will become the most capped player in Czech history should he play in their friendly against Malta on Friday.

The Arsenal shot-stopper, who was one of the players of the season for his club, has 118 caps for his country and shares the record for most appearances with former Manchester United man, Karel Poborsky.

“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.” 

Cech made his international debut in February 2002 and was captaining the side just five years later. Making his way up through the international youth ranks, starting with the u15s, Cech took just five years to go from that age group to full international.

The Euros in France this summer will be his fourth senior European Championship.

Congratulations, Petr!

Czech Republic v Malta kicks off on Friday at 5pm.