Chelsea to appoint Petr Cech as sporting director when he retires in the summer

Petr Cech will be Chelsea's first sporting director since Michael Emenalo in 2017

Petr Cech will return to Chelsea this summer in a new sporting director role at the club, Sky Sports News has learnt.

The Arsenal goalkeeper, who turned 37 on Monday, announced he will retire from playing after next Wednesday's Europa League final in Azerbaijan against his former - and future - employers at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have been without a technical director since Michael Emenalo's resignation in November 2017, as director Marina Granovskaia has taken on the majority of his old duties since he departed the club.

Cech won four Premier League titles with Chelsea

It is not clear at this stage exactly what responsibilities Cech will have, but he could share some of the burden in terms of recruitment and bridging the gap between the board and the manager.

Cech remained coy on social media, reiterating that he will make a decision after the Europa League final in Baku.

"Despite the news today as I had already said to everybody before, I'll make a decision about my future after the last game. Now my sole focus is to win the Europa League with Arsenal," Cech tweeted.

Despite the news today as I had already said to everybody before , I’ll make decision about my future after the last game . Now my sole focus is to win the EL with @Arsenal . — Petr Cech (@PetrCech) May 21, 2019

The club have made little secret of their desire to welcome back the 'golden generation' which included the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Cech.

The goalkeeper enjoys legendary status at Stamford Bridge after 11 trophy-laden seasons with the club, including four Premier League titles and a Champions League in 2012.

He could be set to work with a brand new manager - as a host of Italian clubs, including Juventus and Roma, are targeting current boss Maurizio Sarri, Sky Sports News understands.