More stories

  • in

    Chelsea outcast Armando Broja in talks with four clubs including Champions League giants after injury nightmare

    ARMANDO BROJA could FINALLY be set to end his Chelsea nightmare this summer.The Albanian hitman, 23, is in talks over a move away from Stamford Bridge with four potential suitors.Armando Broja came through Chelsea’s academyCredit: GettyHe was out for long spells last season due to injuryCredit: GettyBroja featured in just 10 league games at Everton last season after being hit with injuries.He suffered an Achilles tendon problem that kept him out for 95 days.Then when he returned, he had an ankle injury that sidelined him for another 58 days.By the time he was fit to play again the season was almost over and other players had already established themselves in the team.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Before that, he spent the second half of the 2023/2024 season out on loan at Fulham without being able to properly make a statement.Sources have told SunSport that AC Milan and Ajax have both been in touch ahead of what will be a busy summer at Chelsea.Talks with Dutch side PSV and German’s RB Leipzig have already taken place.Broja burst onto the scene during a stellar loan spell at Southampton in 2021/22, scoring six league goals with his blend of pace, power, and clever movement.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut injuries and competition for places at Chelsea saw him slide down the pecking order.And with the Blues targeting a new No9 again this summer, his days at Stamford Bridge look numbered.Chelsea finally discover Club World Cup opponents as former star, 38, assists dramatic winner to set up reunionThe London-born Albanian striker’s contract at Chelsea runs until 2028 with a club extension option inserted but SunSport understands the player desires a permanent move.Chelsea are willing to do business and a fee in the region of £20million could see them agree to a total sale for a player who came through the Chelsea academy.With the World Cup qualifiers coming up and Albania needing their talisman firing, Broja is determined to make the right move and get back to his best.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeBroja wants to get back to form for both club and countryCredit: GETTY More

  • in

    Football lawmakers make major rule change after Julian Alvarez’s controversial Champions League penalty vs Real Madrid

    THE International Football Association Board (IFAB) has made a significant change to penalty rules following a controversial shootout in the Champions League this term.Atletico Madrid were knocked out of Europe’s elite competition by Real Madrid in the last-16 after a penalty from Julian Alvarez was ruled out following a VAR check.The IFAB have made a rule change to penalties after Julian Alvarez controversially had a goal ruled out against Real MadridCredit: ReutersThe striker was deemed to have touched the ball twiceCredit: GettyThe striker had slipped when running up to shoot and subsequently double-touched the ball with both feet.Although it was barely noticeable at first, VAR deemed the kick to be illegal and it was not registered as a goal.Atletico went on to lose the match 4-2 on penalties, sparking a furious reaction from Diego Simeone and fans.The manager said: “I just saw the image of the penalty. The referee said that when Julian stepped and kicked, he touched the ball with his foot, but the ball didn’t move. That’s something to discuss about whether it was a goal or not, but I’m proud of my players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When he plants his foot and kicks, the ball doesn’t move even a little bit. But if VAR called it, I’ve never seen a penalty called by VAR, but it’s still valid, and they’ll have seen that he touched it. I want to believe they’ll have seen that he touched it.”The outrage has prompted the IFAB to alter Law 14 which is based on a player intentionally kicking the ball twice during a penalty.Because Alvarez did not intentionally shoot twice during the shootout, the regulation has been amended to account for similar situations.It now states: “The penalty taker inadvertently hits the ball with both feet simultaneously or the ball touches his supporting foot or leg just after taking the kick: If the ball enters the goal, it will be repeated.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”If the ball does not enter the goal, an indirect free kick will be awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot will be recorded as missed.”Meanwhile, if a player voluntarily kicks with both feet, the alternative rule states: “An indirect free kick will be awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot will be recorded as missed.”Atletico Madrid boss Simeone loses his cool with reporter over Alvarez penalty controversy More

  • in

    Newcastle ‘make five players untouchable’ in summer transfer window after securing Champions League football

    NEWCASTLE have drawn up their transfer plans – and made five stars ‘untouchable’.Eddie Howe is planning for another assault on the Champions League as well as bridging the gap to the top of the Premier League.Eddie Howe won the Carabao Cup last season and wants moreCredit: GettyWith Financial Fair Play breathing down their necks, fans may have been fretting that some top stars could be flogged.But according to The Athletic, the club’s top brass have put their foot down on key talent leaving, which will bring a huge sigh of relief for their passionate fans.Here, SunSport checks out the five players who will be sticking around St James’ Park for a while longer…Bruno GuimaraesThe Brazilian midfield maestro has suitors across Europe, but Toon won’t budge. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Manchester City were reportedly interested but Newcastle have privately insisted he’s not going anywhere no matter how much money is offered.Bruno Guimaraes embodies the passion of NewcastleCredit: GettySandro TonaliThe Italian has been a colossus this season. There have been games where his class has made the difference.Howe knows they’ve got a much better chance of achieving big things with him in the side.Sandro Tonali has become on of the first names on the team-sheetCredit: GettyAnthony GordonWhat a rise, from Goodison fringe man to Newcastle’s flying winger, and now an England star. Most read in FootballThe club want to keep Gordon for as long as they can and he’s probably not reached his full potential yet.Gordon just keeps getting better and better since arriving from EvertonCredit: ReutersBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTino LivramentoA modern-day full-back who didn’t get a proper look-in at Chelsea but he has been a breath of fresh air every time he’s played for Newcastle. Manchester City have reportedly targeted him as a natural replacement for Kyle Walker but Newcastle are having none of it.Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a childAlexander IsakOne of the best strikers in Europe, consistently making the difference in big games. Unreal when fully fit and he just keeps getting better.There’s top-level interest as expected but the club have made it clear he’s going nowhere.Alexander Isak is a man in demand but Newcastle want to keep himThe Magpies are braced for aggressive approaches this summer and will let some players go but they’ve already started work on the building blocks for next season.They’ve also been linked again to Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, after failing to get a deal over the line last summer.Howe knows how brutal the Champions League can be after finishing bottom of their group last time around.This year the target is to get out of the group and make a real statement in Europe. More

  • in

    Kane vs Kiwis at Club World Cup, Man Utd in Asia and Bournemouth vs Everton in New Jersey… football must never rest

    IN the wee small hours of Sunday at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Paris Saint-Germain’s players were celebrating the greatest achievement of their lives.They had ended the 14-year quest of their Qatari overlords to win the Champions League, having inflicted on Inter Milan the most comprehensive humping in the history of European Cup finals.Paris Saint-Germain won their first Champions League crown on SaturdayCredit: Shutterstock EditorialLuis Enrique will take his side to the Club World Cup in the USCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBut if Luis Enrique and his side had wanted to put their feet up and bask in this ultimate glory, then they were sadly mistaken.Almost immediately after their 5-0 win, Enrique and his stars would be peppered with questions about their prospects at the Club World Cup — a 32-team, month-long tournament designed to carpet-bomb TV schedules with even more football, starting on Sunday week.Does the Club World Cup now represent ultimate glory, rather than the Champions League?Is that, in the words of Finchy in The Office, ‘the real quiz’?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBecause football — even in the odd-numbered summers which used to give us a brief respite from the thing — must never, ever rest.And so next week, PSG will go to America, where they will play the Urawa Red Diamonds, The Last Shadow Puppets and the Seattle Sounders — only one of which is really the name of an English band.And on Sunday week, Bayern Munich will play Auckland City in Cincinnati.And they WILL play.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd there is nothing we can do to stop them playing. Even though we already know Bayern Munich are significantly better than Auckland City.And Harry Kane will play. Even though his body is creaking.Chelsea finally discover Club World Cup opponents as former star, 38, assists dramatic winner to set up reunionEven though he hasn’t had a proper rest in years. Even though he surely can’t think of anything worse than having to play Auckland City.Because Fifa are offering $1BILLION in prize money.And two days later, you can watch in HD as Ulsan HD of South Korea play Mamelodi Sundowns, who are possibly an indie band who have  an afternoon slot on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, or might be a football team from Pretoria in South AfricaBecause in football there must be no sundown. Only the Mamelodi Sundowns.And Manchester City and Chelsea will be there too, due to some  convoluted Uefa qualification system which it’s best not to ask about.And Inter Miami will be there — not because of any system but because they employ Lionel Messi, who turns 38 this month and must be tired but must never, ever rest.And the whole thing will go on for every bit as long as an actual World Cup, with countries, used to go on for.The Club World Cup is set to commence on Sunday weekCredit: AFPLionel Messi will play in the revamped tournamentCredit: GettyAlthough not as long as next year’s actual World Cup, which will have 48 nations and 104 matches in it and will go on for even longer.Oh and there will still be a third-place play-off.Because what else would we do with ourselves on Saturday July 18, 2026, if we couldn’t watch another game of football between two utterly deflated, exhausted teams?Manchester United didn’t qualify for the Club World Cup.But that doesn’t matter because, after the worst season in their modern history, United’s players travelled 14,000 miles to play post-season friendlies in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong so that the club could fulfil £10million worth of sponsorship commitments.And yes ‘net zero’ is supposed to be an environmental policy rather than United’s goalscoring output against the ASEAN All-Stars. During the half-time interval of that 1-0 defeat in Malaysia, Andre Onana, Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot were substituted so they could board a private jet to Mumbai to  promote Apollo tyres.Because people in Mumbai will choose Apollo tyres if an error-prone Cameroonian goalkeeper tells them to.And Michelin and Bridgestone and Pirelli won’t get a look in, just so long as Dalot presses home Apollo’s core messages, which are ‘Going The Distance’ and ‘Conquer Every Road’.Man Utd played two post-season friendlies in AsiaCredit: APHarry Kane seemingly never gets a summer offCredit: APWhile Maguire was flying to India, to tell people that ‘the journey is as important as the destination’, Amad Diallo was still in Malaysia, where he was giving the middle finger to a fan who had apparently abused his mother.And then issuing a social-media apology, in which he said he didn’t actually regret giving the finger.Because it isn’t enough that Amad’s mother is abused during the football season.She needs to be abused during the close season as well.And her son needs to retaliate.Because there needs to be online content and, if the internet never sleeps, then why should football sleep, along with its content-creating by-product, the abuse of really tired footballers?Last year, Tottenham and Newcastle made a 21,000-mile round trip to Melbourne to play each other, six weeks after they had previously done so. And the Toon won on penalties.But is that really enough, when these footballers travelled in first-class luxury and stayed in excellent hotels?The BBC’s Race Across The World is an extraordinarily successful TV show because contestants must travel on overnight buses and then muck out animals to raise extra cash.Man Utd lifted the Defining Education Challenge Cup after beating Hong KongCredit: GettyTottenham played Newcastle in Melbourne in May 2024Credit: GettyWhy shouldn’t footballers do the same on post-season and pre-season tours? Wouldn’t that provide better content?This Saturday, England will play a competitive match against Andorra, which won’t be competitive.And next Tuesday, England will play Senegal, when they won’t really be England because so many of their players will be heading to the Club World Cup.But it’s not as if we’d have to wait long for football without this new thing.Next month, there will be a North London Derby in Hong Kong and Bournemouth will play Everton at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, the venue for next summer’s World Cup final.Because why wouldn’t we want to watch Bournemouth play Everton in July — even if, when the fixtures come out in a fortnight, we might find out that they are playing each other in August?The thing is, Bournemouth versus Everton has been far too parochial until now.When Bournemouth are at home, only 11,000 people get in to watch it.What about the blue-collar workers of New Jersey, the people Bruce Springsteen writes ballads about?Don’t they deserve their fix of Bournemouth versus Everton, instead of just shotgun, teenage weddings and dreaming about escaping from small towns on motorbikes, kind of stuff?And the answer is, yes, they do deserve Bournemouth versus Everton. Just like you deserve Red Bull Salzburg, the second best team in Austria, versus CF Pachuca, the eighth best team in Mexico.Read More on The SunThat one’s on Wednesday June 18 at 11pm. Followed by Al-Ain versus Juventus at 2am.Eyes down, look in. We’ll sleep when we’re dead.Fans in the US will be able to get a glimpse of James TarkowskiCredit: GettyBournemouth are set to be a hit across the PondCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Major change to Champions League to be introduced from next season following Arsenal heartbreak against PSG

    UEFA are set to make a major change to the Champions League following Arsenal’s heartbreak against Paris Saint-Germain.The debut year of the new-look tournament unearthed a big problem some fans believed was unfair.Arsenal had to twice play a second leg away from homeCredit: AlamyThe top eight teams in the league phase automatically qualified for the Round of 16, with the next eight teams entering a play-off.But that was the only advantage the top eight teams received – which will now change.From next season the teams that finish in the top eight will have the advantage of playing the second leg of their knock-out ties at home.That was a privilege not granted to Arsenal and Barcelona in the semi-finals last year – both teams finished in the top eight but lost to teams who finished below them in the league phase.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFrom next season, the teams who place highest in the league phase are guaranteed to play at home in the second leg.The same change is expected to apply to both the Europa League and the Conference League.Uefa agreed the change in a meeting ahead of the Champions League final on Saturday.However the modification must be ratified by the Executive Committee, which does not meet until September.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA virtual meeting will have to take place to confirm the rule change before the league phase draw on August 28.This season Arsenal played at home in the second leg of their Round of 16 win over PSV Eindhoven, before travelling to Real Madrid and PSG for the seconds legs of their quarter-final and semi-final ties.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’ More

  • in

    Moment Salt Bae is ushered away from venue as he responds to claims he was kicked out of PSG’s Champions League party

    SOCIAL MEDIA star and world-famous chef Salt Bae has denied that he was kicked out of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League celebration at the weekend.The 41-year-old, whose real name is Nusret Gokce, appeared to be escorted away from the building in Munich where the party was supposedly being held.Salt Bae was filmed being pushed away from what was allegedly a PSG Champions League victory partyCredit: CENThe viral chef has denied claims that he was kicked outCredit: CENWitnesses filmed the viral social media personality being pushed by a doorman outside of the venue.The person he was with attempted to reason with security, but to no avail. Salt Bae then took some time to sign autographs for the fans waiting outside.Despite the suggestion that he was kicked out of the event, the chef and restaurateur has claimed that he was just there to see the fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “The rumours spreading on social media that ‘Nusret was kicked out’ are not true. In fact, there was no after-party there. I wasn’t even invited to such an event.”I was just passing by, and someone acting out of line in the background made it look like something happened.”But the claim that I was kicked out is simply false. This is an attack on my reputation.”In a translated statement on Instagram, he also wrote: “After the Champions League final match, we arrived to the hotel in UEFA bus, the reason we were there at that moment was because of our thousands of fans who wanted to see us there.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”As always, I was in that area to return their love and to take photos. Due to the busyness that occurred, while I was waiting for my vehicle to go to my own hotel, my back turned in front of the door, there was a directive from Mr. Dormen.”There was no organization like invitation party in the middle, hence the news that I was not included in the party. it’s all just baseless.”PSG hold Victory Parade following Champions League win against Inter MilanSalt Bae also came under fire for his antics on the pitch after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France.He took the trophy from centre-back Cristian Romero – breaking a key FIFA rule.Only a select few people – including players and managers who have won it, as well as heads of state and FIFA officials – are allowed to touch the iconic trophy.He also pestered several players for photos during the celebrations.The chef’s behaviour prompted an internal investigation at FIFA into how he was allowed onto the pitch.Salt Bae watched the Champions League final live at the Allianz Arena in Munich.PSG stormed to a 5-0 victory against Inter Milan to claim their first Champions League title.Salt Bae came under fire for crashing Argentina’s World Cup celebrations in 2022Credit: Getty More

  • in

    Luis Enrique was rejected by Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea and snubbed three other clubs including SWANSEA

    LUIS ENRIQUE has yet to manage in England – but there’s been no shortage of opportunity.The Spaniard, 55, guided Paris Saint-Germain to a maiden Champions League triumph on Saturday night.Luis Enrique led PSG to a first ever Champions League triumphCredit: GettyThe Spaniard has previously claimed he would like to manage in EnglandCredit: GettyThree big Prem clubs passed up on the chance to hire him in 2023Credit: GettyEnrique’s exciting young side tore Inter Milan to pieces at Munich’s Allianz Arena. The Serie A giants were no match for the French champions, who ran out emphatic 5-0 winners. It was Enrique’s second Champions League winners medal, after guiding Barcelona to the crown a decade ago.And some Prem clubs may be wondering what could have been after passing up on the Spaniard. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEnrique publicly expressed his desire to work in England in 2023, admitting: “I have a special attraction – I would like to go to England to work.”I follow English football a lot, more than Spanish football. “In the Spanish league, I do follow the biggest teams and little else  – but it’s very difficult for it to happen.”Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham all shortlisted Enrique after he left his role with Spain in 2023.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut all three decided against hiring the 55-year-old. Tottenham were the most serious contenders, prior to opting for Ange Postecoglou.Mikel Arteta does a Benitez as he rants about xG and tells Luis Enrique ‘look at the stats’ after bold Arsenal claimIt is believed chairman Daniel Levy backed off over a concern that Enrique’s spiky temperament made him too similar to former boss Antonio Conte.Three other clubs in the EFL have also moved for Enrique and offered him a managerial role.Swansea, Leeds and Aston Villa all wanted the former Spain international to join, per the BBC’s Guillem Balague. And even Arsenal were given a tip-off about Enrique – by ex-chief Unai Emery.But the Gunners decided to go another way, with fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta still in charge at the Emirates. The one that got away By DAVE KIDDTHERE was one pressing question to ask in the wake of the greatest demolition job in the 70-year history of European Cup finals.What of Luis Enrique’s ‘Tottenham dream’?After Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain side handed out a 5-0 hiding to Inter Milan in Munich’s Allianz Arena on Saturday, the Spaniard confirmed himself as one of the great managers of the modern eraIt wasn’t just that Enrique had secured the Champions League with a second club — ten years after he masterminded Barcelona’s victory over Juventus.It was the manner in which he had constructed this young, vibrant, united PSG side in the wake of the French club’s ‘bling, bling’ era of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.Enrique, 55, was strongly linked with vacancies at Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester United in 2023, after leaving his job as Spain’s national team manager.Before Tottenham appointed Ange Postecoglou, Enrique was a serious contender, yet there is a belief that chairman Daniel Levy backed off over a concern that his spiky temperament made him too similar to Antonio Conte.Charismatic, tactically astute and an inspirational man-manager, Enrique speaks good English and is a devotee of Premier League football.Yet it’s fair to say, after his crowning glory in Bavaria, that Enrique will not be turning up on our shores any time soon.Should Spurs ditch Postecoglou this week, Enrique certainly won’t be in the running. After all, he is openly talking of conquering the world with the perennial champions of France.PSG will face Spurs in the European Super Cup in the Italian city of Udine in August — as one of the greatest winners of the Champions League take on possibly the worst winners of the Europa League in what promises to be an epic mismatch.Enrique’s PSG contract runs until 2027, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi would like to extend it, while this team are young enough and good enough to be a dominant force in European football for years to come.Saturday was an emotionally-charged night for Enrique, whose bond with PSG supporters was strengthened by their unfurling of a vast tifo showing a picture of him and his late daughter Xana, who tragically died from bone cancer aged just nine in 2019.His team’s brilliant performance had been the most complete by any side in a Champions League final since Guardiola’s Barca defeated Manchester United 3-1 in a Wembley masterclass in 2011.PSG were the youngest team in the competition, Simone Inzaghi’s Inter the oldest — and the match turned into the comprehensive street mugging of a frail, elderly victim.That five-goal winning margin eclipsed the 7-3 victory of Ferenc Puskas and Alfredo Di Stefano’s Real Madrid against Eintracht Frankfurt in 1960 — a match played so long ago that Sir Alex Ferguson watched it at Hampden Park as an awestruck teenager.Enrique, known as The Architect in the French capital, has plotted plenty of English doom this year. PSG defeated Manchester City in the group phase, followed by knockout victories over  Liverpool on penalties, Aston Villa and Arsenal.After semi-final success against Mikel Arteta’s  Gunners, Enrique mocked the supposed low standing of France’s domestic league.“The league of farmers, no?” he smiled, “We are the league of farmers.”There has been nothing even faintly agricultural about PSG’s  football and Enrique is determined to stick around to harvest more silverware.While the world’s finest players rarely operate in England at their peak, our top-flight has played host to every other modern managerial great.Three more men have led two different clubs to the Champions League crown in the 21st Century — Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola — and all have plied their trade in England, along with other A-listers like Jurgen Klopp and Conte.Instead, Enrique headed to Paris, where, despite billions of Qatari oil money having been lavished on the project, the Champions League remained elusive.Enrique’s re-imagining of PSG as a young side without Galacticos but with plenty of team spirit has turned out a triumph, although another shedload of cash has been spent.This season’s signings of  Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, Joao Neves and Willian Pacho — all stars of the final — cost the Qataris almost £200million.Doue was the two-goal hero, Enrique substituting him when he looked on course to become the first player in 56 years to score a hat-trick in a European Cup final.And when Kvaratskhelia sprinted back more than half the length of the pitch to win possession, with ten minutes to go, having just fired PSG into a 4-0 lead, Enrique’s PSG makeover felt complete.It is impossible to have imagined Mbappe, Messi or Neymar doing anything similar.And so for Enrique, the idea of managing Spurs — or any other  Premier League club — is just going to have to wait.Enrique has thrived since returning to club management with PSG in 2023. He had previously spent five years as Spain’s national manager. Enrique has won back-to-back Ligue 1 and Coupe de France titles in France.Known as The Architect in the French capital, he has helped bring about plenty of English doom over the course of the last year. PSG defeated Manchester City in the group phase, followed by knockout victories over Liverpool on penalties, Aston Villa and Arsenal.And he is now a hero among PSG supporters after delivering a first Champions League trophy. Fans unveiled a tifo at the Allianz Arena of Enrique’s daughter Xana, who died in 2019 aged nine from bone cancer.Visibly moved, Enrique said: “It’s lovely from the fans, and for my family.Read More on The Sun”But I don’t need to win a Champions League to remember my daughter. “She’s always present, with us. I feel it when we lose, too, it crystallises all the positives we lived.” More

  • in

    Chelsea Champions League winner Salomon Kalou reveals surprising new business after retirement from football

    EX-CHELSEA forward Salomon Kalou, 39, has stunned fans by revealing his new venture – running a chocolate business.The former Ivory Coast international, best known for helping the Blues lift the Champions League in 2012, has traded boots for sweet treats.Salomon Kalou (right) spent seven seasons at ChelseaCredit: GettyHe was part of a Chelsea side that conquered Europe for the first timeCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Ivorian has always had a thing for unusual hairstylesCredit: INSTAGRAMHis brand is called Oume, named after his birthplace in the Ivory Coast with Kalou keen to emphasise the importance of his homeland in the chocolate world.He told The Telegraph in an interview: “My uncle had a cocoa farm, and I grew up around the farm.”We went to school and at the weekend we would be helping him.”Growing up, I don’t remember eating chocolate and didn’t know what it was.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS “It was expensive more of a privilege for people who can afford to buy it.”People don’t know that what they produce on their farms is used for chocolate. “But we (Ivory Coast) contribute a big percentage of the world’s production. We also have great footballers.”The surprise career move has raised a few eyebrows among fans who remember the pacy winger’s dazzling runs down the Stamford Bridge flanks – not cocoa beans and hand-tempered truffles.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKKalou, who also enjoyed spells at Lille, Hertha Berlin and Botafogo, says he hopes to one day see his chocolate in some of the UK’s most prestigious shops.From embarrassing Chelsea pal to interview with dad – Five times Cole Palmer stole show AFTER Conference League finalsHe added: “One day I’d like to see Oume in Waitrose, Selfridges, or Harrods. That would be a proud moment.”It is a tough market with the price of cocoa increasing due to extreme weather and under-investment.”The Ivorian started and won the Champions League final with Chelsea in 2012, making a total of 254 appearances for the Blues. More