Petr Cech made a return to competitive action for Chelsea U23s on Monday, after spending 565 days in retirement.
Cech, who last featured for Arsenal in the 2019 Europa League unhung his gloves as Chelsea came from behind to defeat Tottenham 3 – 2 in a Premier League 2 clash.
The 38-year-old has been training with the senior team this season and was named in Chelsea’s 25-man Premier League squad in September as an emergency goalkeeper.
The veteran shot-stopper had before now, taken up a directorial role at Stamford Bridge. But, he will have to see beyond his administrative duties for the club to standing between the sticks when called upon.
After yesterdays game, Cech admitted feeling a little rusty on his return having spent more than a year in retirement, but insisted he rediscovered his “match system” during a surprise comeback outing for Chelsea.
Cech posted on Instagram after the clash : “565 days after what I thought was my last game in professional football I had the opportunity to be back on the pitch.
“It felt so strange for the first 20 minutes as my ‘match system’ I used to have while playing regularly was missing but as the game went on the feeling returned, ‘match system’ reappeared and it was great to have that special feeling again.
“Well done to my team-mates for turning the game round! It was great to get the win and three important points to go top of the league!”
Chelsea’s senior side will be back in action on Tuesday when they take in a trip to Wolves.
