Legendary Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, who Petr Cech season, is now an advisor at Stamford Bridge – as well as a newly-appointed backup goalkeeper.
The 38-year-old, who played 494 times for the club, was recently named in both the Champions League and Premier League squads for the first half of the season.
Unlikely to be required, Cech is in place behind new number one Édouard Mendy, Willy Caballero, and one-time record signing Kepa Arrizabalaga as a backup goalkeeping option for Frank Lampard.
However, the man capped 124 times by the Czech Republic told French outlet Telefoot he is ‘100% ready’ should he be required.
Remarkably, Cech said: “It’s true that it would have been a professional error to do this if I wasn’t at Premier League level, but that’s not the way we work here. I know I’m 100% ready to help if needs be. I’m fit, and with the two months of training, I’ve seen I have the same quality.”
Having appeared in an ice hockey goal more recently than a football one since his retirement whilst with Arsenal, Cech credited the rest with renewed fitness, saying: ”I rested for a year without playing football. It really gave me energy, my body recovered after playing 20 years as a professional. If the circumstances put me on the pitch, I’m ready”.
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At least fans know Cech is ready to step into the breach should be he required. In truth, 38 isn’t particularly old for a goalkeeper possessing all the quality required, the Czech giant could likely still be performing at the top level.
Should Chelsea suffer an injury crisis in the goalkeeping department, particularly to Mendy, Lampard would have a decision to make regards to his pecking order.
Arrizabalaga has been cast aside since the Senegalese stopper’s arrival from Wednesday night’s Champions League opponents Rennes, and could potentially find himself watching Cech, 12 years his elder, back in a Chelsea shirt before pulling one on himself.
