Chelsea legend makes shock return after being named in Prem squad
Chelsea have made the surprise decision to include club legend and current technical director Petr Cech in their 25-man Premier League squad.
The former Czech Republic international made his name during a glittering 11-year stint with The Blues between 2004-2015.
A four-year spell with cross-town rivals Arsenal followed, before Cech finally hung up his gloves in 2019.
The 38-year-old stepped straight into a board role at Chelsea when Frank Lampard was appointed manager last year.
But now Cech has been registered as part of the club’s Premier League squad. The move has been described by the PA as ‘purely as a precautionary move’ during the pandemic.
New recruit Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Willy Caballero and Jamie Cumming all sit ahead of Cech in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
Cech is younger than 39-year-old Blues veteran Caballero, who has himself joked previously about battling his advancing years.
“Petr Cech has been included in the squad as emergency goalkeeper cover,” Chelsea confirmed in a statement.
“This is a precautionary step due to the unprecedented conditions currently caused by the Covid-19 crisis. He takes up a position as a non-contract player.”
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Meanwhile, Diego Costa could sign a pre-contract agreement with Tottenham in January, according to reports in Spain.
Costa is in the final year of his contract with Atletico Madrid, where he has scored just 18 times since returning from Chelsea in January 2018 and is ready to move on.
The Spain international previously enjoyed a prolific spell in the Premier League, although he wasn’t without his controversial moments. His Chelsea career ended with 59 goals from 120 games.
Jose Mourinho initially took Costa to Stamford Bridge in 2014, and according to Don Balon, the Tottenham boss is now eyeing a reunion with the striker.
Costa will become a free agent at the end of the season. At that time, Tottenham will reportedly become one of the main contenders for his signature.