Petr Cech admires Iker Casillas, Gianluigi Buffon

By Subhankar Mondal, Reporter | 27 August 2012

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech reveals his admiration for Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and Real Madrid custodian Iker Casillas.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has revealed his admiration for Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and Real Madrid custodian Iker Casillas.

Cech is regarded as one of the best between the posts, but the 30-year-old admits that the duo are better.

"They have kept a consistent level of performance for more than 10 years at the top for club and country," the Czech Republic told Uefa.com. "That's why they are still among the best keepers in the world."

Cech also revealed his admiration for former greats Oliver Kahn, Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar when he first started his career.

"Each of them had something inspiring because they were all different characters," he said.

"Then Gianluigi Buffon appeared and changed everything. Later, Iker Casillas was very interesting. He started to play for Real Madrid, historically one of the best teams in the world, at the age of 17 or 18.

"So I told myself: 'OK, if he can play for a big club so young, age is not an obstacle. There is no reason why I cannot make it too.'"

Cech joined Chelsea from Rennes in 2004.