Chelsea confirm Petr Cech return as technical and performance advisor

Petr Cech has returned to Chelsea as the club’s technical and performance advisor, the Blues have announced.

The former Chelsea goalkeeper, who left the club for Arsenal in 2015 before retiring this year, will work across all areas of the club with a focus on ensuring that the pathway from the academy to the first team is effective, a crucial factor for the club given their transfer ban.

“I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to join Chelsea FC again and help create the best possible high level performance environment to continue the success the club has had over the past 15 years,” Cech said. “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 appointment comes as his former teammate Frank Lampard is this week expected to agree a deal to replace Maurizio Sarri as manager after the Italian left for Juventus following just one season in the capital.

“I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to join Chelsea FC again and help create the best possible high level performance environment to continue the success the club has had over the past 15 years,” Cech said.

“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.”

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: “We are delighted to welcome Petr back home to Chelsea. During his playing career here he was one of the most dedicated, successful and thoughtful professionals we have ever had.

“We always hoped that when Petr was ready to retire we would see him back at Chelsea FC and we are thrilled to add his expertise and knowledge of the game to the technical staff.”

Cech, 37, made just shy of 500 Chelsea appearances during his playing career and will now be based at the club’s Cobham training ground.