Cech Says Rooney Was The Most Challen

Former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech says Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney was the most challenging opponent he faced in his career.

Cech won four Premier League titles and Chelsea and a Champions League, and after a move to Arsenal in 2015 until his retirement in 2019, is now the technical and performance advisor at Stamford Bridge.



Cech came up against Rooney regularly as Chelsea under Jose Mourinho competed for the Premier League title, and the duo also met in the 2008 Champions League final in Moscow.

And the former Czech Republic international says Rooney offered a very challenging prospect due to the relentless nature of his style, and the improvisation he could offer in front of goal.

“Wayne Rooney,” Cech told Chelsea’s official website. “Every time we played against United I had to make sure I was aware every time he had the ball, because he was very unpredictable and very clever.

“He is a guy who can chase, who can fight, who can run, who is clever with his shot.

“He could score from the halfway line, he could try and chip you if you were too high. That was a challenge I enjoyed.”

• Despite United coming out on top in Moscow, Cech says he would not change anything about his career, as he went on to eventually lift the trophy in 2012 in Munich.

• “When I look back, I’m happy for the good things, I’m obviously not happy with the things that didn’t go exactly as we wanted, but they played an important part, so I wouldn’t change a thing,” he added.

“It was a great journey. I really enjoyed it. If I had the chance, I would do it all over again.”