FORMER Premier League goalkeeper Petr Cech has signed for a new ice hockey team.
The 41-year-old hung up his gloves in 2019 and launched a career as a shot-stopper in a different sport.
He has been playing in the third tier of British ice hockey with Oxford City stars but has now completed a loan move to Belfast Giants.
The Northern Irish side have signed him amid an injury crisis at the club.
Cech will now play in the Elite League, which is the top division in the UK.
The former Chelsea and Arsenal keeper made a guest appearance for the Giants earlier this year in a charity match that raised money for Ukrainian ice hockey amid their war with Russia.
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Giants coach Adam Keefe was delighted to welcome him back, saying: "Petr is a highly decorated athlete, who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level.
"We're very appreciative of the support of both the Oxford City Stars and Petr himself.
"His support during this loan period will be invaluable."
Cech is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers to ever play in the Premier League after winning four league titles as well as five FA Cups and the Champions League during his glittering career.
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The Czech international represented Chelsea 494 times and featured in 139 games for Arsenal.
After quitting football four years ago, Cech switched to ice hockey and has since also played for Guildford Phoenix and Chelmsford Chieftains.
He also worked as Chelsea's technical and performance adviser for three years before leaving in 2022 when Todd Boehly purchased the club.
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