Čech and Nedvěd honoured in Prague

Chelsea FC goalkeeper Petr Čech has been named Czech Republic player of the season for a record eighth time following the annual poll of national journalists.

The 31-year-old received more than twice as many votes as the runner-up, AC Sparta Praha forward David Lafata, and said: "Every appreciation of my work is precious. I have no complaints; I have won the Europa League and done well in the league, so it was a successful season.

"My position in the club is the same every year – I keep my performances at the necessary level and it pleases me. I have felt the same way for the last five years: I am able to play and mainly play well. I know the team rely on me a lot. I am expected to perform well by everybody. I have learned to live with it."

FC Viktoria Plzeň midfielder Vladimír Darida came third in the poll after Lafata, the Czech league's 20-goal top scorer in 2012/13. Former Sparta, Juventus and S.S. Lazio midfielder Pavel Nedvěd received a special award following a public vote for the best Czech league player of the last 20 years.

"I value this prize a lot and I put it very high among my trophies," said the 40-year-old. "I did not expect it so it pleased me even more, especially because it is a mark of appreciation from the fans, and they are always sincere when they vote."