Armando Broja dedicated his first Chelsea goal to his parents after he notched against Wolves on his father’s birthday.
Speaking after his strike in the 3-0 win in the Premier League on Saturday, the 21-year-old discussed the emotion behind scoring in front of his parents at Stamford Bridge.
“Today is my dad’s birthday,” Broja said. “It was a really good gift for him.
“It was difficult for my parents mostly. They always tried to give me a better life, an easier life for me and my two sisters. Thanks to them so much for helping me throughout my journey.
“They come to every game as much as they can - I don’t think they have missed a game. I was happy I could score today for them.”
It has been a long journey to the Blues first-team for Broja, who joined Chelsea after playing well against them while in Tottenham’s colours having originally being spotted playing football in Slough.
It was in the Berkshire town where he lived in a small flat with his Albanian-born parents and his siblings. His swimming pool engineer father, Xhevahir, spent his childhood spurring on Broja by showing him videos of legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario.
“He was my dad’s favourite player, still is my dad’s favourite player,” he added. “He loved him, watched him all the time and always wanted me to play like R9.
“He would always show me clips on YouTube and we would sit and watch games of him. He loved him and that’s where I got my love for him.
“I watched a lot of his games and I try to get little bits of tricks and stuff he did. My dad played a big role in getting me here.”
It's a beauty! ✌️#CheWol pic.twitter.com/Onm51NR2uW
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 8, 2022
Ronaldo is a legend of many clubs including AC Milan, who are the next opponents for Chelsea at their iconic San Siro stadium. Having beaten Milan 3-0 at Stamford Bridge midweek, the Blues will be confident of doing so again.
Albania international Broja hopes he will get on the pitch again on Tuesday night.
“It’s amazing. Life goes really quickly. Sometimes you haven’t got as much time to stop and think about what is going on as games come thick and fast,” he added.
It will still be a challenge for Broja to make the team with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling likely to start having been rested against Wolves. Still, he isn’t concerned about the competition at Chelsea and prefers to see it as a positive.
“As a young player, you know you thrive in situations like this,” he continued. “You want to be in a position like this at a massive club like Chelsea surrounded by amazing players, so you want to learn from them in such a good environment.
It is good competition, so I am thankful I did come on and score.
“I think it was good they came in. It gives competition at such an amazing club and you need that. To be at a top level, you can’t have it easy all the time.
“Aubameyang coming in has been amazing so far. I learn a lot from him in training and games. It is good competition, so I am thankful I did come on and score.”
Chelsea boss Graham Potter has reassured Broja of his squad role since replacing Thomas Tuchel last month.
Broja added: “He said to me, ‘Just keep working hard, keep your head down, opportunities will come when you work hard. When you come on the pitch for little cameos, just give it your all. And more opportunities will come.’
“He’s a great manager. It’s good to be working with him and the rest of the players.”
