Petr Cech has returned to Chelsea to take up a role as technical and performance advisor.
Cech joined Chelsea as a player in 2004 after impressing at Rennes and went on to enjoy the best 11 years of his career at Stamford Bridge, establishing himself as one of the world s greatest goalkeepers in that period.
He joined Arsenal in 2015, as Thibaut Courtois became first choice at Chelsea, and was a regular for the Gunners for three years before becoming back-up to Bernd Leno in his final campaign
Cech announced his plan to retire back in January and, after significant speculation about a potential return to Chelsea, the club have confirmed he is heading back to the Blues.
. is our new Technical and Performance Advisor!
Welcome back, Big Pete!
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC)
Speaking to Chelsea s website about his appointment, Cech said: I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to join Chelsea again and help create the best possible high-level performance environment to continue the success the club has had over the past 15 years.
I m looking forward to the new challenge and hope I can use all of my football knowledge and experience to help the team achieve even more success in the future.
Cech s final match as a player saw him come up against Chelsea in the Europa League final, as Arsenal shipped four goals in a comprehensive 4-1 defeat in Baku last month.
The former Czech Republic international acknowledged a day later that the rumours concerning his future had proven to be a distraction, even though Cech was arguably Arsenal s best player in the match.
According to Chelsea, Cech s new role will see him provide advice on all football and performance matters , while also building and facilitating strong links between our men s and academy teams .
Cech could soon be joined by another former Chelsea great, with Frank Lampard the overwhelming favourite to be appointed Maurizio Sarri s successor as the club s coach.
