Chelsea's Cech back in action after fracturing his skull

	Petr Cech now (top) now wears special protective headgear when he mans the net for quadruple contender Chelsea. Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images

Petr Cech suffered a career-threatening head injury after colliding with Reading's Stephen Hunt during a league game in October. But the Chelsea and Czech Republic keeper returned after a three-month layoff, having received special clearance to wear a rugby-style protective headguard. World Soccer's Keir Radnedge recently sat down with Cech to discuss the injury, headguard and Chelsea's success this season.

World Soccer: Did you worry about your safety when you made your comeback?

Cech: Not at all. This is the same game now as it was before I was injured and I still enjoy my football just as much. I worked hard to regain my fitness, my form and my confidence, and it immediately felt both good and natural to be back in action. The only issue I had was that I felt a little lacking in physical strength and reaction speed.

WS: Why the headguard?

Cech: The medical experts said I should wear it as insurance, because this was a rare injury and they wanted me to wear it until they were satisfied there was no risk of further damage. It was strange at first but I soon got used to playing in it. Maybe one day all goalkeepers will wear such protection. It's like in ice hockey -- when I was young, none of the players wore helmets, and now everyone has them. Games develop and become quicker, harder and stronger. In football there have been more head injuries for goalkeepers recently. You have to dive much more at the feet of attackers, and when the ball is in the air you can collide with heads and elbows.

WS: Have you got the all-clear from the doctors?

Cech: I do not have to take any medication any more and I am now allowed to drive my car again. I had very bad headaches at first but I do not get them any more. Of course, the medical staff keep a close watch on me and I will have some more tests at the end of the season.

WS: José Mourinho quickly restored you to the first team. How did that feel?

Cech: It's good for every player to feel he has the confidence of the manager and good that he had that confidence despite the injury. I heard he said having me fit again was like signing a £50 million player. But when you are on the pitch it doesn't matter how much they paid for you or think you are worth, you have to always play well if you want to keep winning and be in the first team.

WS: How did you come to make your return against Liverpool at Anfield in January?

Cech: Of course, the manager picks the team but it was up to me to say whether I felt fully fit. That was crucial. I said I wanted to feel 100 percent fit or I would not play -- and I felt 100 percent. That meant that I didn't think back to the accident. Once you are on the pitch you should not think about anything else but the game. Your body should do that automatically -- and that is exactly what happened.

WS: John Terry also suffered a bad head injury in the League Cup final against Arsenal. How did that make you feel?

Cech: It sent lots of emotions running around in my head, even though I was at the other end of the pitch. I just walked around my penalty area to try to switch off from what was happening while he was being treated. I didn't even ask what had happened to John because I felt it was better for me not to know. But after I saw him moving I felt better. That is always a good sign!

WS: What did the League Cup win mean to you?

Cech: Of course, at the start of the season we did not see the League Cup as the most important trophy but we are professionals so we want to win every game and every trophy available. It was also important because it was the first trophy of the season -- our success sends out a message to all the other teams we will play in all the other competitions. Of course, it was not easy. Arsenal is a very strong opponent and it was a big problem when John Terry was injured. It shows our spirit and determination that we went on to win.

WS: Can the fans expect more trophies this season?

Cech: Of course, why not? We have another three trophies to play for -- the Premiership, the FA Cup and the Champions League. The quadruple would be a great achievement. No English club has ever achieved that, so it would be great to make history. Yes, that means I also believe we can overtake Manchester United in the Premiership.

WS: You honestly believe Chelsea can win the Premier League for a third successive year?

Cech: Of course. We have been through a difficult period over the past few months, but the gap between Manchester United and us is no different than it was before. We can be very positive because all our big players will be back. United are not unbeatable. They still have to come to Stamford Bridge and they have other difficult games left, so they can drop points.

To subscribe to World Soccer Magazine, click here.