Petr Cech has explained why he feels it is so important to play his part in Saturday’s Game4Ukraine at Stamford Bridge, and is looking forward to renewing some old London derby rivalries on the pitch, with so many former Chelsea and Arsenal stars taking part.
The legendary Blues goalkeeper is just one of a number of players from Chelsea, the Premier League and the wider footballing family who will be pulling their boots back on at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (5 August) in the Game4Ukraine, raising money to rebuild a school which was badly damaged by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Given its stated goal of allowing children in Chernihiv Oblast to return to a safe and stable learning environment again, as well as the terrible impact of the war on all people in Ukraine, but especially the young, Petr Cech believes this match is far more significant than an ordinary charity fundraiser.
‘I got asked by Andriy Shevchenko and I wanted to help my friend, but this is a much bigger thing than being friends or playing in a charity game,’ explained Cech. ‘It’s about education and I strongly believe that this is the most important thing for everybody.
‘And when you have people in difficulties and living in war, they do not know what each hour will bring. But at least for the time children can be in school, for those hours their lives can look more normal.
‘That’s why I’m glad I can participate and hopefully it makes enough money that schools can be rebuilt.’
In addition to raising funds for such an important cause, the Game4Ukraine promises plenty of footballing entertainment for those in attendance, with some of the greatest players of the modern era taking to the pitch, and a strong London presence in the two teams captained by former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko and current Arsenal man Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Having played in derbies between those two sides on both sides of the divide during his career, Cech is particularly looking forward to members of the Gunners 2003/04 Invincibles – the first undefeated Premier League champions – and the Blues team which succeeded them as back-to-back title winners facing each other again.
‘In my first year at Chelsea, in 2004/05, we played the Invincibles and played a 2-2 and a 0-0, so who was better? How do you say which team was better? They won the title without losing and we won the title breaking all the records, so I don’t know.
‘The style of the football was different, but Arsenal were very technical and they were able to play fast, and they had a midfield with a real engine, and people who could kick as well, no problem. Chelsea had that, we had a huge engine in the middle of the pitch.’
With the likes of Cech, Michael Essien, Ricardo Carvalho, Claude Makelele and Joe Cole up against a squad including Patrick Vieira, Jens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Gael Clichy and Gilberto Silva, there will be another chance for one team to come out on top at Stamford Bridge, come 6pm on Saturday 5 August.
Tickets to see them all in action are still available on general sale here, up to 20 tickets per person, priced £28 for adults and £15 for concessions. Supporters can also watch the Game4Ukraine in style and luxury, with seat-only packages available for £50 per person and full hospitality from £120 per person. You can find further details on the hospitality options and reserve your spot here.