King of the Golden Ball again! For the eleventh time

His extraordinary winning streak has only been interrupted by Pavel Nedvěd in the season 2008/2009 and by David Lafata two years back. What did Petr talk about?

Who would he award the Golden Ball to?

I would vote for Patrik Schick. He had a great breakthrough in Sampdoria and I’m not surprised he won the spring part of the poll. And Pavel Kaderabek also did very well in Hoffenheim.

About last season:

It was one big paradox, because we got four more points with Arsenal than we did the previous season, but after twenty years we didn’t make the UEFA Champions League. Last year we finished second, now we are fifth. We’re bummed, we wanted to fight for the title. Our victory in the English cup is a satisfaction, though.

Why wasn’t he in the goal in the final against Chelsea?

It was decided even before the start of the season that I would not start in FA Cup games. In the end, I was in the goal for the quarter-final and the semi-final, and I thought I would stay there. When manager Wenger announced the starting line-up the day before the final, I was very disappointed. But the important thing is that the team made it and that we won.


About Arsene Wenger staying on as Arsenal manager:

Many people were curious about whether he would stay or not. We knew he was going to be with us until the very last day of the season and then he would decide. He dropped some hints so we expected him to say he would stay on in the end.

About next season, without Champions League

It’s a pity, but we have to take Europa League just as seriously and get ready for it. I have already won it once and I cherish that victory very much. I’m looking forward to the draw. I’m sure we’re going to get Zlín (laughs).

About staying at Arsenal

My contract with Arsenal is for another two years. If they don’t kick me out, I hope I’m going to continue to play (laughs).

About Czech national team

I follow the games, I support the team and it’s still a weird feeling to be in front of the TV and not listening to the national anthem on the pitch. However, looking back I feel that I made the right choice by saying good-bye to the national team. I trust that the guys will win the next qualifier in Norway and will take another step towards reaching the play-offs.

About the Champions League final

I played in Cardiff in 2005, in the Carling Cup final against Liverpool. There were 80 thousand fans in the stands, tremendous noise. It was one of the most amazing moments of my career. And who will win on Saturday? Real Madrid relies on Cristiano Ronaldo, who can wreak a real havoc. It’s going to be interesting to see if he can do his magic face to face with Juventus defence. Personally, I would like my colleague Buffon to win. It’s his third final, I hope he makes it this time.