Former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech has shared that he and his wife, Martina, have decided to separate after being married for 26 years.

The 43-year-old made the announcement in a heartfelt message on Instagram on Thursday.

Cech and Martina had been together since their teenage years, with Martina supporting him throughout his remarkable football career.

The couple is parents to two children, Damian, 16, and Adela, 17.

Along with his statement, Cech posted a black-and-white photo of him and Martina, showing a tender moment with her kissing him on the cheek.

He wrote: “Martina and I are sad to announce that we are separating after 26 years together. We remain best friends and are very proud of our two children.”

The couple first met in high school in 1999 and tied the knot in the summer of 2003.

Their children are also following in their father’s football footsteps. Adela plays as a defender for Fulham and the Czech Republic U17 team.