Cech wants perfect ending

PETR CECH hopes that the Europa League will provide him with the perfect send-off as the Arsenal goalkeeper prepares for his final few matches as a professional footballer.

Cech, who announced last month that he will be retiring at the end of this season, said winning the competition would be the “ideal scenario” as he brings an end to his illustrious playing career. The 36-yearold has lost his place in Unai Emery’s side to German Bernd Leno, but has been the first-choice in Europe.

Cech, who won the Europa League with Chelsea in 2013, is in line to start in the first leg of their round-of-32 knockout tie at Bate Borisov today. “Of course (winning the tournament) would be an ideal scenario for me to finish my career,” he said. “We prepare every day for every competition and that is what we are aiming for.

“Winning the Europa League is a great memory for everyone involved and secondly it can book you a place in the Champions League, so there is a lot to play for.”

Emery is set to field a strong side for this meeting with Bate, saying that he will be looking for the “best performance with the best players”.

His squad does not include Mesut Ozil, however, despite the German returning to training after missing Saturday’s victory over Huddersfield Town through illness. (© Daily Telegraph, London)

Bate Borisov v Arsenal, live Virgin Media 2/BT Sport 2, 5.55