The former Blues goalkeeper, who was a serial trophy winner during his 11 years at Stamford Bridge, made the final appearance of his career on Wednesday night, making a string of excellent saves before his Arsenal side were blown away.

Although a disappointing end to an incredible career, Cech was philosophical afterwards.

‘I am so proud of the way I played because when you play your last career game in the final and there is a lot of pressure, a lot of speculation about Chelsea and these things, I had to perform,’ he said. ‘I did everything so I can look back and have no regrets about the game, apart from the fact we worked so hard in the whole year and in the end we have nothing.

‘It’s something this group of players (Arsenal) don’t deserve because… the supporters can’t see behind the scenes how much hard work has been done. Okay we finished empty-handed, we have no cup, we lost this final 4-1, but I can assure everybody supporting Arsenal the work we have done this season will come next season and this team will be much stronger.’

On his own future, Cech was keen to point out he is still to make a decision.

‘I kept saying to everybody that I wanted to lift the trophy and then sit down and think,’ said the ‘keeper. ‘Until 30 June I am still an Arsenal player. People forgot it and until that point I won’t decide on anything.’