A New Record!!!

What does this record mean to you?
I’m really glad I made it. I was only eight minutes away from the record in the last Manchester City game, but conceded in the end. Today it finally worked out. It’s true that I started observing the screen five or six minutes prior to full-time in anticipation. It was once again crucial that we win. We needed to rectify our hesitation last time. This way we finished off 2015 on a high note and I can bring over the nice bonus of a clean sheet record.

Towards the end Bournemouth put you under considerable pressure and had a major goal opportunity.
I agree that the last five minutes were a bit more intense and I was over the moon when I managed to save their scoring chance. I knocked the ball out with my left hand. It was important to deflect into a space which wasn’t filled with other players, which also ended up working out.

After the win you swung up to the top of the table.
We’ll see how the Leicester vs City game goes. Right now we’re glad things are going as planned and we’re still title contenders. It’s nice to be back in a winning spirit although we had gotten the least rest of all teams after last Saturday. I think it’s safe to be positive about the year ahead.

What was on your mind when you heard the final whistle?
I was proud since not everyone can achieve something like this in world’s best league. I really am thrilled. Now people won’t need to ask when I’m going to break the record any more.

A 170 clean sheets; that is quite the career milestone. How do you perceive this number?
It’s a great honour. I’ve got my teammates to thank who definitely contributed massively towards it. I couldn’t have done it alone. You only come to realise the true gravity of the record when you look at the legend goal keepers I have overtaken. I’m glad my clean slates have led to four different titles and I am surely hoping this season will yield a title too. As of now it’s definitely within our powers, though we will obviously not know for sure until the very last round.

Just how many congratulations did you receive after the match?
I was approached by teammates and have lots of messages on my phone, though I haven’t been able to read them yet.

Are you going to celebrate?
I’m home alone since my wife and kids are back in the Czech Republic with the parents, so I guess I’ll have a glass of some good wine. I’ll be celebrating with Max (Petr’s Labrador).

Did you save the jersey as a souvenir?
Yes, I did. Once I’ve washed it, I’ll have all of my teammates from the game sign it. Then I’ll frame it, I think.