Czech Republic international Cech was unable to prevent Liverpool from winning a penalty shoot-out at Anfield to book a meeting in the Athens final with AC Milan.

Cech, 24, told the Czech media: "It is one of the greatest disappointments of my career.

"It was played for 120 minutes and there was a lot of emotion and stress.

"Because of that I had a sleepless night. I am tired and of course very disappointed. You are always sorry after such a loss.

"It is one of the greatest disappointments of my career because we were so close.

"We had made our way to the semi-finals which was difficult but in the semis we needed better luck."

Cech admitted he was downcast at being unable to save any Liverpool penalties.

"That is also a great disappointment for me," said Cech.

"So far in my career I have always saved at least two penalties in each shoot-out.

"I had a bad day in the worst possible moment, I am awfully sorry for it as the finals were so close. We deserved to be in the finals for everything we have been through.

"I was trying to think who may go to take the penalties and how he would take it. I was trying to prepare for the situation, imagine what might happen. Unfortunately it was not enough."

Cech admits team-mate Geremi was dismayed to have missed a penalty.

"Geremi is in the same situation as me," said Cech.

"He has never missed. He takes them for Cameroon even in the most difficult situations.

"It was logical he was selected, he is one of the most experienced players. He missed his first penalty on Tuesday at the worst possible moment but this happens to everyone in his career sooner or later."

Cech is now looking forward, saying: "Time will certainly help, the season continues and you just have to get over it. Life goes on.

"Everybody has to get over it and the boys who missed the penalties must get over it. We managed it after the elimination from Liverpool two years ago and we know the pain it will leave and it will reinforce us."

Cech believed that Dirk Kuyt fouled Salomon Kalou in the build-up to Dan Agger's goal which took the match to extra time and penalties.

"The decisive moment was that Kuyt fouled Kalou slightly before the goal was scored," said Cech.

"You could see on TV that Kuyt blocked Kalou with his hands and he could not track the other player (Agger), who scored. This was decisive."

Cech admitted his team's hopes of overhauling Manchester United in the race for the Premiership are slim.

"We have to win all three games and see what it will bring," said Cech. "It's not in our hands now but the five-point gap can still be bridged.

"Manchester United would have to lose against us and one more game. We also have to concentrate on the FA Cup final."

Cech had words of praise for the atmosphere at Anfield.

"The atmosphere was great it is good to play in it," said Cech. "The crowd supported the home side but that's not a problem, we are used to it."