My dad created me on Football Manager before I was even born – now I’m living his dream in Chelsea’s first team
ALFIE GILCHRIST was always destined to be a Chelsea star.
That’s because he was created as a character on Football Manager by his dad before he was even born!
Gilchrist, 20, is the latest Cobham ace to burst into Chelsea’s first team.
The versatile centre-back has already clocked up six appearances after making his debut against Crystal Palace in December.
And Gilchrist, captain of Chelsea’s U21s, is already being touted as the new John Terry by delighted fans.
But playing for the Stamford Bridge side has always been in his blood.
Gilchrist’s dad and grandad both used to be season ticket holders.
As a result, he grew up watching Chelsea before joining their academy in 2014.
A decade later, Gilchrist is now an established member of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
But there were no doubts over his potential to become a Chelsea first-team, as his dad predicted on Football Manager.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
Gilchrist’s old man used to love the popular tactical game.
And before the new Blues star was even born, he had already been created as a character by his father in the virtual world.
Gilchrist said: “My grandad and my dad used to have season tickets. They used to go all the time and my aunty used to go with them as well sometimes.
“So I obviously support Chelsea as well. I remember watching the Champions League final — the first time we won it — in my uncle’s living room. That was a good memory.
“Actually my dad had a Football Manager game, or whatever it was called back then, and before I was even born, he made a player called ‘Alfie Gilchrist’ who played for Chelsea.
“He had chosen the name and everything, and he played with that character — as me — at Chelsea. So it’s crazy how it’s come to life.”
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest transfer deals from around the world this January