Petr Cech, arriving from Rennes in 2004, was the backbone of the meanest defence in Chelsea history.
The last line behind John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho in their pomp, Cech was almost unbeatable.
The new keeper put the finishing touches to Chelsea’s title-winning side. He is among the greats.
Peter Schmeichel, who won FIVE Premier League titles in eight years with Manchester United, is the very best.
David De Gea, wearing the No 1 shirt at Old Trafford since 2011, is another genuine world-class keeper.
Cech is only a fraction short of their qualities.
He arrived in English football at a time when the top clubs were crying out for a stopper with pedigree.
Tim Howard was in goal for United. Paul Robinson was at Tottenham.
Chris Kirkland, remarkably, was at Liverpool and Manuel Almunia was first choice at Arsenal. Cech was a different level to them.
‘Big Pete’ raised the bar, setting new standards for goalkeeping in the Premier League.
In his first season, when Chelsea won the Premier League under Jose Mourinho, the champions conceded just 15 times.
He was always calm and assured, an authoritative presence in a Chelsea side that went on to have so much success. Nothing seemed to faze him.
Even when the Special One was ranting and raving at everyone, and after Stephen Hunt collided with the keeper at Reading in 2006, Cech conducted himself with quiet dignity.
When he eventually returned three months after fracturing his skull, he was already revered by the world of football.
He bravely played on, resuming his career wearing a specially designed skull cap to give him more protection.
When his confidence returned, he re-established himself as the best keeper in the Premier League.
Chelsea chief Abramovich loved him, regularly sounding him out on the phone or making a bee-line for him whenever he went to the training ground.
They are good buddies, even to this day.
It is to the Chelsea owner’s credit that he allowed one of his favourite players to leave for Arsenal in 2015.
His career was in decline by then, playing just seven times in the Premier League in his final season at Stamford Bridge.
Thibaut Courtois had become the main man.
Cech soldiered on, trying to recapture past glories wearing the goalkeeper’s shirt at Arsenal.
To his great credit he always fronted up, a willing talker during some desperate times under Arsene Wenger.
His Gunners team-mates went missing off the field as much as on it, dodging the post-match bullets from the media all over Europe.
Cech, taking on a statesmanlike role by then, was always there though.
It often needed a double-take because he would be wearing his glasses, emerging from the dressing room looking serious and studious.
He spoke with such depth, analysing the game and playing it back with honesty and sincerity.
That is what made him so special. He is contemplating his next move, but a career in coaching must surely be in his thoughts.
Whatever he chooses to do next, he will give it everything.
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