CECH BACKS MOURINHO

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is regarded as one of the best in the Premier league, and he is right up there when it comes to the best in the world as well. He was one of the first signings made by Chelsea manager José Mourinho when he took charge of the club in his first spell.

The Czech Republic goalkeeper was in his early 20s back then, but it did not stop him from establishing himself in the Chelsea first-team ahead of the much experienced Carlo Cudicini. After having made numerous appearances for Chelsea and having won several trophies including the Champions league, Cech has said that he is grateful to Mourinho.

The 31-year-old will be once again working with the Portuguese manager after he arrived for a second spell in charge of the club a few weeks back. Mourinho's confidence in Cech has resulted in the Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois going back to Atletico Madrid on yet another loan deal.

Chelsea signed the Belgian as a replacement for Cech, but he is yet to play a game for Chelsea after spending the last two seasons on loan at the Spanish club. He will be spending a third season at the club now.

Cech has also captained Chelsea on several occasions as well.
"With Jose I only have great memories. He gave me the chance to be the number one at Chelsea. I was 22 joining a big club [from Rennes] where Carlo Cudicini was first-choice, a player who had the most clean sheets the previous season. You think, 'Well, if the new manager comes in and just picks him then I'm dead.' That was the challenge. But he gave me the opportunity to start and show what I could do, and that is when my career kicked on," said Cech.