Jose Mourinho has described himself as "honoured" to have given Petr Cech his start in the Premier League.
The pair worked together during two spells at Chelsea, and former Manchester United boss Mourinho has saluted Cech's "amazing career" following the 36-year-old's decision to retire at the end of the 2018/19 season.
Cech joined Chelsea from Rennes in 2004. It was the same summer Mourinho replaced Claudio Ranieri as boss. Mourinho immediately installed the 22-year-old as his first-choice goalkeeper, ahead of Carlo Cudicini, who was an accomplished 'keeper in his own right.
Recalling the decision, Mourinho told Sky Sports News on Tuesday: "I am honoured to have been the manager that, at such an early age, gave Petr a top Premier League No.