from the official site

Petr Cech, Barclays Premier League Golden Gloves winner and one of the heroes of Wembley last weekend, is 28 years old today.

To celebrate the birthday of the most successful goalkeeper in Chelsea's history, the Official Chelsea Website has Cech's thoughts on saves in the final two matches that gave him two clean sheets and helped secure the Double.

Firstly, in the 85th minute against Wigan, it might have been 7-0 to Chelsea but had our keeper allowed in Victor Moses's long-range shot then the Golden Gloves would have been handed to Liverpool's Pepe Reina instead. Cech brilliantly tipped the ball over the bar.

'It was very hard because after 4-0 this game was over and we have got the title and everyone gets emotional,' Cech told ChelseafC.com as he recalled the final League Sunday.

'Then suddenly we started scoring goals and we play for the crowd and I said this is exactly the way they will have a chance to score. I was desperately trying to keep everyone organised so that we wouldn't concede and that was why I made a save because I was really ready for everything until the last second.'

At Wembley it was a point-blank-range save from Frederic Piquionne's diversion of a mish*t shot that showed incredible reaction speed, honed by hours of table tennis against his fellow Chelsea keepers and coach Christophe Lollichon in the gym at Cobham.

'I was watching the ball all the way and then I saw the deflection that flicked onto my hand,' Cech told Chelsea TV. 'I did well to be there in time. Maybe it was my best save because it was in such an important game and I was pleased of course.'

A vital contribution had been made but before Didier Drogba made the breakthrough, his team-mate at the other end of the pitch was called upon to keep Portsmouth out once again as he faced Kevin-Prince Boateng's penalty.

'I knew Boateng always watches the goalkeeper until the last moment,' Cech said after the Cup Final, 'so I did not move and while I waited I knew he would have to decide and he decided the wrong way.

'It was better to go later than earlier. It is mind games and whoever executes the moment better is the winner.'

http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0...55932%2C00.html

Happy birthday to the big man!

:lol:

Happy birthday Big Pete

Amazing to think the guy is only 28. And he's been with Chelsea for 6-7 years already. I can envision a Chelsea side of 2020 where he is still between the sticks

Happy Birthday Petr.

Happy birthday Petr Cech. What a hero.

28 Today

He got very good very young for a keeper...many more years with us would be my wish for him with or without his Hat.

Petr Cech has been complete revelation lately in this season.

Many times I thought now its time to get a new keeper for us...many times I disliked him but I am glad that he has bounced back from dismal performances and has proved me wrong.

The penalty save that he made from Boateng was cherry on the cake after a amazing Premier league campaign.

3 Cheers for The Great Cech..... :P :D :D

Happy Birthday Petr!

Still a World class keeper. Cheers!

I'll drink one after work for him tonight. :P

Happy birthday Petr! May God bless you!!