Chelsea's Cech Loves Ronaldo

Despite saving Cristiano Ronaldo’s spot kick in the European Cup final penalty shoot out, Petr Cech was on the losing side in Moscow after Edwin Van der Sar saved Chelsea’s sixth penalty taken by Nicolas Anelka.

Unlike his captain, John Terry, who bawled like a baby, Cech was able to put a hold on the waterworks. “I was on the verge of tears at the end of the game in Moscow but managed to keep it together,” he said.

Cech’s national side, the Czech Republic, are in the same group as Ronaldo’s Portugal, with both being favourites to go through. Their respective victories over Switzerland and Turkey on the opening day of the tournament show it is likely that the top spot will be decided when their teams play against each other.

After defeat in the European Cup final, Cech is hoping for a different outcome the next time he plays against Ronaldo. “Now I have another match against Ronaldo and he’ll be the main man for Portugal,” he said. “But hopefully this time I will be celebrating.”

Chelsea’s goalkeeper continued to lavish praise on our young winger, claiming that Ronaldo is the best player in the World at the moment.

“He didn’t look tired during the match in Moscow, unfortunately,” Cech said. “He played with great appetite and motivation. It was obvious he is also physically in good shape and the large number of big games he’s played hasn’t affected him. The match was physically demanding for everyone with players suffering from cramps. But Ronaldo kept running right up to the last minute and then had 14 days to get ready for the tournament. If I had to pick one player who would deserve the Ballon D’Or or a similar award this season, it would be him.”