Cech explains Chelsea exit

Petr Cech is leaving his role as Chelsea’s technical and performance advisor as the summer shake-up at Stamford Bridge continues.

Former goalkeeper Cech, who spent 11 seasons as a player in west London before returning after a spell at Arsenal to take up his current role in 2019, announced his exit on Monday. But following the takeover by the Todd Boehly-led consortium there have been a number of key departures announced, notably the former chairman Bruce Buck and sporting director Marina Granovskaia.

In a statement, Cech said: “It has been a huge privilege to perform this role at Chelsea for the past three years. With the club under new ownership, I feel now is the right time for me to step aside. I am pleased that the club is now in an excellent position with the new owners, and I am confident of its future success both on and off the pitch.”

Cech will leave his role on June 30 and Boehly, chairman and co-controlling owner, said: ‘Petr is an important member of the Chelsea family. We understand his decision to step away and thank him for his contributions as an advisor and his commitment to the club and to our community. We wish him the best.”

Boehly was named chairman and interim sporting director following the departures of Buck and Granovskaia last week.

Granovskaia, who rose to prominence as one of the toughest negotiators in world football during the Roman Abramovich era, will remain available to support Boehly for the duration of the current transfer window. Buck will continue to support the club as a senior advisor.

Boehly has been hands-on in his role as interim sporting director already, playing a key role in the decision to let Romelu Lukaku return to Inter Milan on loan. Boehly and Tuchel wanted to sort out Lukaku’s future quickly so they could focus on strengthening the squad this summer.

Interestingly, Cech had spoken days before about how the Belgian striker would be able to thrive in his second season back in London, having had a difficult year following his £97million arrival last summer.

Cech said: “I personally believe he will have a great season. Last season we saw how strong he can be at the beginning when he came. But unfortunately, the long-term injury he sustained in the game against [Aston] Villa slowed everything down and then he had Covid as well.

“I think we could see towards the end of the season, when he was fit and ready to go again, how strong he is. I have full confidence he will bounce back and have a strong season.”