LONDON: Petr Cech, the former Chelsea goalkeeper, has returned to Stamford Bridge as the club’s new technical and performance advisor.

The 37-year-old made 494 appearances for the club during a trophy-laden spell at Stamford Bridge before ending his playing career with Arsenal.

He retired at the end of last season, with his last appearance coming in the Gunners’ Europa League final defeat at the hands of Chelsea.

Cech landed 13 trophies at Chelsea, including four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and Europa League.

According to the Blues’ website, Cech’s role will include providing advice on all football and performance matters, as well as facilitating links between the first team and the club’s academy.

“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,” said the former Czech Republic international goalkeeper.

“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 hope the return of a nucleus of former players can offset a potentially tricky time on the recruitment front, should FIFA’s two-window transfer ban be upheld.

The Blues have taken their appeal of that sanction to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but did not request that embargo be frozen pending a hearing.

Chelsea could now seek to push a host of home-grown talents into the first-team set-up.

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.’

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