Petr Cech hints at Chelsea exit: 'There is no time for me to sit on the bench and not to play'

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has remained largely quiet since the beginning of the season, not discussing his battle for playing time with Thibaut Courtois, who is clearly the first choice of manager Jose Mourinho.

Cech hinted prior to the season, when it was confirmed that Courtois would be returning from his loan at Atletico Madrid, that he would not be happy sitting on the bench at Stamford Bridge.

Oddly enough, after finally getting some time on the pitch this weekend – albeit thanks to an injury to his Belgian counterpart – the Czech 'keeper has once again reminded his club that he will look elsewhere if he continues to ride the pine in London.

"I think they know me well enough at Chelsea to know that the situation is definitely not the way I would imagine," Cech is quoted as saying by FOX Soccer.

"With the European Championships in 2016 and the national team in mind, there is no time for me to sit on the bench and not to play.

"I have not spoken to anybody at the club but if the situation will not start to improve for me then I will want to solve it."

Cech, who moved to Chelsea from French side Rennes in 2004, has made 481 appearances with the club, capturing a Champions League crown, three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League in that time.

If the Blues win any further silverware this season, which seems likely given their incredible start to the season, it looks as though Cech will only be a peripheral squad member and not a vital contributor like he has been in years past.