English defender Gary Cahill is happy to finally quit the baby food and looks back at the season that was much of a roller coaster ride for him.
The 26 year old defender who moved to Stamford Bridge this January from the Reebok had an injury marred spell but impressed everyone whenever he took the field for the Blues. Cahill started in the Champions League final at Allianz Arena as well with John Terry missing through suspension.
Cahill was a part of Roy Hodgson’s squad for the Euros but in the final friendly fixture against Belguim before flying to Polkraine, he fractured his jaw when he was involved in a nasty collision with Joe Hart. The Chelsea defender was eventually ruled out of the showpiece event and Phil Jagielka was drafted in as a replacement.
He said: ‘I was on a soft-food diet for two weeks which was a bit of a nightmare. But it is all finished now and I can move on. It is good to be back amongst the boys and getting down to some hard work.
‘When I went for the x-rays I thought if it doesn’t show anything here it is a miracle, but unfortunately it did and it was shocking timing, in the last friendly game and probably 60 to 70 minutes away from getting on the plane.
‘It was a nightmare but we finished the season fantastically well with Chelsea so it is like a rollercoaster of ups and downs all the time – but the injury is behind me now and hopefully I can have a good year this year.’
Cahill also was all praise for the newly appointed coach Roberto Di Matteo and insists that the club will be competing in all fronts under his command.
He added on Chelsea TV: ‘It is what every player wants to do and you can get the fitness and the running through playing football anyway. In game situations and sharp sessions you probably get more out of it than just pure running.
‘I am sure the lads are buzzing that Roberto Di Matteo has the manager’s job. He got it on merit and I think everyone at the club is glad that has happened and we look forward to competing this year.’