Nicolas Tie, a former goalkeeper for Chelsea, has decided to retire from professional football at the age of 24 to enlist in the French army.
Tie was part of the Chelsea club between 2017 and 2020.
Although the goalkeeper, born in Lille, didn`t manage to secure a spot in Chelsea`s senior team, he actively featured for their various academy age groups in competitions including the Premier League 2, Uefa Youth League, and Under-18 Premier League.
Tie, who received a call-up to the Ivory Coast national team in 2018, left Stamford Bridge in 2020 to join Portuguese side Vitoria.
After failing to break into Vitoria`s first team, the 6ft 1in (1.85m) goalkeeper has chosen to hang up his boots.
In an interview with the French newspaper Ouest France, Tie announced his decision to join the military.
Tie stated: “I`ve passed several tests, and I`ve been assigned to the regiment I requested.”
He added: “I am ready, and I`m training for this every day.”
Explaining the reasons behind this significant career shift, the former Blue confessed: “I lost my passion for football.”
He continued: “I had always been drawn to military careers, so I thought to myself, `Why not join the army?`”
“My stepfather serves as a paratrooper in Ivory Coast; I used to visit the barracks to observe… That inspired me.”
Tie, who mentioned being “proud” of his football “career,” also indicated his willingness to serve in Ukraine.
The former goalkeeper, now soldier, stated: “I don’t engage in politics. I am committed to addressing the problem at its root.”
He added: “If external operations (OPEX) in Ukraine become an option, I am ready! It doesn`t frighten me.”
