Petr Cech plays WITHOUT his protective helmet for first time in a decade in Tomas Rosicky’s testimonial

PETR CECH ditched his protective helmet for the first time in more than ten years while playing in Tomas Rosicky's testimonial.

The Arsenal keeper has worn a protective scrum cap ever since he was forced to undergo emergency surgery for a depressed skull fracture.

Back on that fateful day in October 2006, Cech was involved in a sickening collision where he was accidentally caught on the head by Reading’s Stephen Hunt's knee.

He still bears the mental and physical scars of that near-death experience five years ago when he was ruled out for three months.

Medical experts warned Cech that the bones in his skull are not as thick as they should be because he was born one of a set of triplets, and he has worn the scrum cap for games ever since.

But last night in a friendly celebrating the 20-year-career of his former Gunners team-mate Rosicky, Cech took his place between the sticks without the headgear.

The game took place at Sparta Prague's Generali Arena, and featured the likes of Yossi Benayoun, Cesc Fabregas, Robin Van Persie and Jens Lehman.

Back in 2015, Cech, 36, revealed his desire to one day play without a helmet.

CUT ABOVE Giroud patched up after sicking head collision

Speaking to Czech news-site , Cech said: "I would be more confident if I had it off. If you like it or not, the helmet affects your surroundings.

"You have your ears covered and it makes hearing worse.

"But the doctor has forbidden me to take off the helmet. If I did, I would not pay insurance."

Cech had another scare in 2011 when he feared he had suffered another serious skull injury after collapsing in the Chelsea dressing room during his time with the West London club.

He was rushed to hospital for a brain scan following a collision with then-Fulham striker Orlando Sa during a Carling Cup clash at Stamford Bridge.

Alhough the Czech international goalkeeper was quickly cleared by neurologists, the incident brought back terrible memories of the day he nearly died on the pitch five years ago.

And he believes the helmet was a major factor in helping him emerge unscathed
from last Wednesday’s blow from Sa.