'This is the ultimate excitement'

Petr Cech admits he can't help but feel the excitement as the start of a new season draws ever-nearer.

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The 34-year-old Czech goalkeeper is no stranger to the start of a new campaign but always revels in the return of regular competitive football.

 "I love playing games," he told Arsenal Player.

"That’s the ultimate goal - the weekend where you play the opening game, where you’re in the team and where you can win. This is the ultimate excitement.

 "In the last week I always look forward to the start of the season because I know I’m ready, I know I’m fit and I want it all to start."

Reflecting on the feeling of heading to the stadium ahead of the big kick-off, Cech reveals that he feels pre-match anxiety is important when it comes to focusing on what is to come.

"Regardless of how many games you’ve played, you’re always nervous. I’m always a little bit nervous and have this excitement, this anxiousness in me," he said.

"I think “OK, you need to be ready, you need to perform, it’s going to be a difficult game and you need to do your best”. I’ve always had that and I think that’s what keeps you focused and drives you forward every day to come back to training.

"I don’t know what would happen if you lost that feeling because I’ve never had it. That’s probably when you think “OK, I don’t like this anymore”. That excitement tells me that I love what I’m doing and should keep doing it."

More quizzes coming soon!