Some footballers might find themselves offended by references to donkeys, but Kai Havertz will always take it as a compliment.
The German international has spoken of his "special relationship" with the animals - make your own jokes here; no, seriously, comments are open - after growing up around them in his homeland. You might even say they were his 'neigh-bours' and let out a chuckle, but we bet he'd correct you and point out that donkeys bray rather than neigh.
Havertz is on the verge of a move from Chelsea to Arsenal, with a fee in the region of £65m agreed. While we're still waiting on the announcement - ideally something Shrek-themed, if the Gunners' social media team have their wits about them - the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth has made his day by naming a donkey foal after the 24-year-old.
"I have followed the work of The Donkey Sanctuary for some time so when they got in touch to say they'd like to name a foal after me, I was delighted," Havertz said, per a release from the sanctuary itself. "Donkeys are such incredible animals, and I am very happy to give my name so this little donkey can help raise awareness of the importance of good donkey welfare, here and all around the world."
As for the nickname, which we're sure you're all wondering about, it's said to be related to his role as 'a deep thinker and a calming presence on the field.'. Just keep that one in reserve if the 'donkey' of your work five-a-side team has any questions.
“Kai has proved to be a real champion of donkeys in every sense of the word," Donkey Sanctuary CEO Marianne Steele adde.d “We are so pleased to have the opportunity to name our new foal after him and hope he will continue to inspire people to think about donkeys differently.”
What animal would you name after your favourite footballer? Have your say in the comments section
Havertz previously opened up about his fondness for donkeys before a game against Irish side Bray Wanderers (it was just a regular interview, we warned you about doing this - ed.). Okay, yes, it was 2023 and it was during an interview with The Guardian.
“From day one, I felt a special relationship with donkeys," he said. "It’s a very calm animal: maybe I personalised myself in them because I’m calm too.
"They chill all day, don’t do much, just want to live their life. I loved them always. And when I lost, I would go to the sanctuary. You look at the animals, see something human in them. It was a kind of recovery, a place I felt peace.”
After the signing of donkey's favourite Havertz, might Arsenal be tempted to create a menagerie within their squad? A move for Declan Mice, perhaps (I swear to god - ed.)?
