Petr Cech was able to keep fit during his time off thanks to a Christophe Lollichon fax.

Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper, who represented Czech Republic during Euro 2008, which meant he returned to training yesterday after a slightly longer break than others, made sure his fitness did not suffer throughout his holiday.

'During my stay on holidays in Sardinia, I received a fax from Mr Lollichon with my personal programme,' said Cech, speaking exclusively to Chelsea TV.

'It was not long so I found a little bit of time to do it, and I am grateful now because during the first training session I felt okay, I was expecting it to be a little bit harder than it actually was.

'That is why I did everything and that is why I feel well, because it was like a pre-season before I came here.'

With such a stringent dedication to his fitness, it seems hard to imagine Cech enjoying a holiday like the rest of us, but the time off has allowed the keeper to relax the way he wanted.

'It was our first holiday with the baby, so it was interesting and we enjoyed every moment,' clarified Cech.

'I am not the kind of person who lies on the beach for three weeks; I need to play tennis or at least something.

'So for me it was the perfect holiday, because it was not too long and I am relaxed and I enjoyed my time, but now I am ready to start training again.'

With Cech's return comes a new regime at Chelsea, and his first training session under Luiz Felipe Scolari.

But there are other new arrivals at Cobham since his departure for Euro 2008, and this is something that has added to the keeper's pleasure on his first day back.

'It feels nice [to be back], even though the summer break was not as long due to the European Championships.

'But I am happy to be back, to see new faces and the old faces, it was a good start and I enjoyed the first training session.'

He is also relishing the opportunity to work alongside our new Brazilian manager and looks forward to the changes Scolari will bring.

'Every manager has his own philosophy and his own stuff and there is a new fitness coach, so you would expect things to be slightly different.

'But it's good and we will see what this pre-season brings for new training sessions.'

It was Cech's mistake against Turkey that sealed his country's exit from Euro 2008, which may go to explain why the keeper is so keen to get back into training and prove his talents to the world once more.

'It is the only way you can do it [getting straight back into football], because looking to the past doesn't make you anything.

'It was a bitter experience for me in that last game against Turkey and I just need to show that I am strong enough to get over it.

'There was the holiday and now last season is over, finished, we are done. It's time to focus on the new season.'