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CECH OUT?

Arsenal’s Petr Cech is thinking about announcing his retirement from international football

Veteran Czech Republic keeper could go with the worst ever record of 21 goals conceded in European tournament play

Goalkeeper Petr Cech of Czech Republic

PETR CECH says he's thinking about calling international football a day.

The Czech Republic were eliminated from Euro 2016 following their 2-0 loss to Turkey.

 Croatia's Ivan Rakitic chips Petr Cech to net in the 2-2 draw
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Croatia's Ivan Rakitic chips Petr Cech to net in the 2-2 drawCredit: Getty Images
 Over and out? Cech looks ready to turn his back on international football
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Over and out? Cech looks ready to turn his back on international footballCredit: EPA

It meant they left the tournament with just one point from a draw against Croatia in their three group games which saw Arsenal keeper Cech concede five goals.

Amazingly, and given Cech's worldwide reputation, it means he holds an unwanted record: he has now let in 21 goals in the tournament proper, more than any other goalkeeper in the history of the competition.

And the 34-year-old said: “I will take a time to decide if I continue in national team (or retire)."

Cech has made 121 appearances for Czech Republic having made his debut in 2002 while playing for Sparta Prague. A few short months later he was in France playing for Rennes and a year and a half later he joined Chelsea.

 The familiar sight of Cech dominating his area, this time against Turkey
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The familiar sight of Cech dominating his area, this time against TurkeyCredit: Getty Images

Since then the top stopper has won four Premier League titles and remained his country’s only real hope in goal.

So should he decide to retire from international football, it would seriously harm the Czech’s chances of qualification for the next World Cup.

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