Chelsea legend Petr Cech announces split from partner of 26 years in emotional statement

Premier League legend Petr Cech announced his separation from his partner, Martina, on Instagram after the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea goalkeeper spent 22 years married

Petr Cech has announced he and his wife have split up after 26 years together. The former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper made a short but emotional statement to reveal the separation from his partner, Martina.

The couple were together from their teenage years and were married for 22 before sharing two children, Damian, 16, and Adela Cechova, 17. The legendary goalkeeper suggested that the pair remain best friends despite their parting.

Cech, 43, made his announcement by posting a message alongside a black and white picture of Martina kissing him on the cheek. The ex-shotstopper wrote: “Martina and myself are sad to announce that we are separating after 26 years together. We remain best friends and immensely proud of our two children.”

Cech and Martina met in high school in 1999 before marrying four years later. The couple became parents during the goalkeeper’s time at Stamford Bridge.

Former Blues technical advisor Cech, missed the birth of Adela in 2008. The Czechia superstar had travelled with Chelsea’s squad ahead of their League Cup semi-final clash against Everton.

READ MORE: Thierry Henry reveals what will ‘annoy’ him about Viktor Gyokeres at ArsenalREAD MORE: Chelsea fans rip into Jamie Carragher as Sky Sports pundit reveals ‘hot take’ for new season

“It was the best day of my life and at the same time the saddest,” Cech told the People magazine. “I was happy to be a father and proud of my wife, but sad to have missed the birth.

“My daughter decided she would come in the middle of the night without me being able to do anything, so I had to wait glued to the phone.”

Both of Cech’s children are now following in the footsteps of their father, a legend of the Premier League. Daughter Adela is a defender who plays for Fulham and Czechia U17s.

Damian meanwhile is a goalkeeper and earlier this year signed a professional contract with the Cottagers. Petr previously told indnes.cz: “I didn’t push my children into football, but they found it anyway.

“They just live with my name, so they have been the target of comparison since they were young.”

Posting on the same day as announcing his divorce, Cech also put out his thoughts on leadership, in tandem with Glow21, a ’21st-century leadership movement powered by real experience’.

“I believe that leadership is very similar in both sport and business.” he wrote. “A true leader motivates the team, communicates effectively, and brings out the best in people.

“What do you think – what, in your opinion, makes a great leader?”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.