PETR CECH showed that his sharp reflexes are still well-and-truly intact as he joined in Chelsea training.
The Blues made the shock decision to register the Czech stopper in their 25-man Premier League squad as ’emergency back-up’.
Cech showed off his reflexes in trainingCredit: Chelsea FC
The 38-year-old retired last year and returned to Chelsea in a technical roleCredit: Chelsea FC
Cech, 38, retired in 2019 after a four-year stint with Arsenal.
He had since returned to Stamford Bridge as technical and performance adviser.
But having kept himself in fine fettle, he is now an option for boss, and former team-mate, Frank Lampard.
With his return to contention confirmed, Cech ditched his glasses and suit for the gloves and trademark headgear as he got down to work at Cobham.
Alongside the Blues’ other ‘keepers, the four-time Premier League winner threw himself around the goal as if he’d never been away.
Lampard, however, has insisted that his registration is strictly for emergencies only.
Following the Blues’ 0-0 draw with Sevilla, he said: “It’s definitely not for the romance.
“Pete’s been training with the keepers for a little while. He’s very fit and still relatively young.
Cech has already been working with Chelsea’s goalkeepersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“Pete finished playing when he could have probably carried on and taken on his role at Chelsea, which he does very well.
“We had a space in the squad and this year is like no other because of Covid and what it might do to selection and isolation. So it was an easy one.
“Pete will still do his day job but he’s there if we need him.
“Whether we see him or not I’m not so sure. It depends how the season goes with Covid and isolations.
“I certainly felt it was a no brainer to have Pete in the squad for that reason and he can only help the goalkeepers we have. He’s one of the best in the world in the modern era.
“If we’re in crisis we couldn’t ask for anything much better than having Petr Cech around.
“I don’t expect it but nobody expected what we’ve seen in the last six or seven months around the world.”
Chelsea name legend Petr Cech in Premier League squad with 38-year-old set for stunning comeback amid keeper woes
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
