Football school and return to Chelsea

Petr, how did your training session with the children at the Football School go?
It’s sort of become a traditional ending to my vacation and I must say I enjoy it every single time. It’s something I don’t normally get to do, I guess. I’m always excited to meet the kids, you can tell how much fun they’re having. It seems like they’ve enjoyed their stay here, probably thanks to the programme. Apart from football trainings they also take English lessons and meet all kinds of famous athletes.
You are about to join the Chelsea squad once again. How is your recovery coming along?
It’s actually healing faster than they expected. I’ve been exercising non-stop, even on vacation. My physiotherapist had me work out daily and I’m well on my way to complete recovery. I’m supposed to see the surgeon who carried out the shoulder operation once I’m back in London. If everything turns out to be okay I should be able to take part in the most of pre-season prep alongside the rest of my team. I’m going to miss some of it, but it should just be an insignificant amount of training.
Were you still able to relax a little bit?
My family and I went to Spain for two weeks. Although I had a training programme to complete every day which took two to three hours, it was a vacation nevertheless. I made sure I still spent as much time with the family as possible. It was great.
You started training on your own after the surgery, being the only one left in Chelsea training centre. Are you excited to get back to it along with the others?
It’s always better to work in a team. Right now it’s essential that I recover fully as quickly as possible so that I can join them without unnecessary delay.
What are your preparation goals?
To give my 100% and to convince our manager I’m still number one. That’s something you’ve got to achieve during every year’s pre-season prep. I’ll be doing my best to retain my previous position in the squad.
What is your opinion about the team’s new signings?
Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa are both experienced players. Particularly Fabregas is well accustomed to the Premier League due to his engagement with Arsenal, so he won’t have had too much acclimatising and language learning to do. Costa had an amazing season at Atlético and I’m hoping to see him perform similarly for Chelsea.
Have you been following the World Cup? Who do you think has the best chances of winning?
I’ve seen a few select games, definitely not all of them. A lot of them were extremely even, especially in the elimination phase. Four of the quarterfinalists were European and I’m pretty sure Europe will be represented in the final. I’m still placing my bets on Brazil, though, they’re really strong at home.