Source: REUTERS/Hannah McKay
[Saba Sports News] According to French media reports, Chelsea youth academy goalkeeper Nicolas Tiel announced his retirement at the age of 24 and joined the 1st Parachute Light Cavalry Regiment of the French Army (1er RHP) earlier this month. The report says that Tiel joined Chelsea at the age of 13, and he told reporters, “I’ve always loved the military, so I thought why not join the army? My father was an airborne soldier in Ivory Coast, so I often visited military camps, which influenced me.” At the age of 17, Tiel signed his first professional contract with Chelsea and even participated in the UEFA Youth League, but he failed to secure a place in the team. After leaving Chelsea in 2020, he joined Gil Vicente, but was owed wages and couldn’t play. Since leaving Gil Vicente in September 2023, Tiel has yet to find another club. His bumpy career path led to a waning passion for football, and his decision to join the army was supported by his father and former coaches. What do Chelsea fans think of this?