'It’s crazy how it’s come to life' – Chelsea youth star reveals his dad designed him on Football Manager before he was born

Chelsea fans love all their academy players, no matter where they come from originally or who they support.

But when ones comes along like Alfie Gilchrist, who is “proper Chels” through and through, they love them even more.

The club know this, so they’ve really picked up on his Blues connections by doing a full interview on the club website about his connections to Chelsea, now that he’s gradually establishing himself as a first team player.

In a really sweet chat, Gilchrist revealed just how deep the ties go:

“My grandad and my dad used to have season tickets,’ he says. ‘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.”

The Football Manager story is truly mad – just imagine how proud that Dad is now watching his son get his big break for the Blues. Football is not just about trophies and transfers, stories like this are what it’s all about.

Here’s to many more years of Alfie – and maybe even future generations of Gilchrists at the Bridge.