‘LEGEND CECH RECALL WAS A REAL SHOCK TO ALL OF US’

PETR CECH can still play at the highest level, according to Chelsea midfielder Jorginho.

Jorginho admitted 38-year-old Cech being added to Chelsea’s 25-man Premier League squad came as a surprise – even to other players.

But Cech, who retired more than a year ago and has been added as emergency cover, is on the list, along with Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero.

Cech (above), who is the club’s performance and technical adviser, has still trained and has even helped the keepers in training this season.

Italy midfielder Jorginho (below) said: “I think he can help a lot.

“He is a legend and he has so much experience, so I really think he could help so much in the dressing room and, if he has to play, he could still do it.

“It would be a pleasure for me to play with him because I have only ever played with him on PlayStation.”

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard insists Cech’s inclusion is only as emergency back-up after the club has had huge issues with the keepers.

Record signing Kepa joined for £76million, but has had a nightmare before Mendy was brought in this season to try to solve the problem.

Now Cech might just prove to be their best, even though he has not played competitively for a while.

Jorginho also believes another veteran, 36-year-old defender Thiago Silva, will bring much-needed experience to tighten up their defence and is a big influence – even though he has yet to learn English.

Jorginho added: “He is a big personality, a big player, with big experience. He is helping all of us as a group, the younger players, everyone. He has personality and is happy to help everyone.

“He finds a way to communicate, whether it is with his hands or he speaks to me and I give the information to the other guys. We find a way.

“He has helped a lot, talking a lot. Defensively, he has massive experience and he knows about football tactically, so he is helping all of us so much.

“He has played at a high level for a long time. I think it is easy to see he is a great player on the pitch.”