Chelsea have announced that former player, Claude Makelele has made a return to the club in a technical role. The 46-year-old was signed by the Blues in 2003 and went on to make 144 appearances before leaving in 2008.
He joins a growing list of former players who have all returned to Stamford Bridge. The Blues announced club legend Frank Lampard as the team’s new manager, replacing Maurizio Sarri who left for Juventus this summer.
The club also appointed former goalkeeper, Petr Cech as the team’s technical and professional adviser this summer. The Blues also have Carlo Cudicini, Paulo Ferreira and Tore Andre Flo, all who Makelele will be working with.
A statement on the Club’s website read: Chelsea legend Claude Makelele today returns to the club as a technical mentor to our young players.
Makelele will be based largely at our Cobham training ground, working closely with individual Academy players, tracking technical performances in both training and matches as they reach a critical point in their professional development.
The 46-year-old will also work with Chelsea players out on loan, visiting them at their clubs and providing regular match feedback.
The former Real Madrid star revealed he is happy to be back and hopes his knowledge will help the young kids become a top professional.
Makelele said: ‘I am very happy to come back home. This club gave me a lot and now I want to give back and help the young Chelsea players dreaming of a career in football. I want to use all my experience to help them become professionals in every aspect and I am looking forward to getting started.’