Fuente: © Chelsea FC
http://www.chelseafc.com/

CHELSEA IN JORDAN: CARL IS KEEN

/noticias.info/ Fresh from completing a 72-hour bike ride to raise money for fighting breast cancer, Carl Magnay has joined his team-mates in the Middle East, and admits he wouldn't have it any other way.

The 19-year-old cycled from the west coast of England to the east between Saturday and Monday, before boarding a flight to Amman in the early hours of Tuesday morning to link up with the rest of the Chelsea party in Jordan.

It was an exhausting task for the defender, but he explained that he is happy to be involved in the trip, and enjoyed passing on his knowledge to the local youngsters.

'Definitely, I'm passionate and a big believer that as footballers we are in a privileged position and I think it's vitally important that we give something back,' he began.

'Given the circumstances with Moscow last week and the lack of sleep that went with it, then the bike ride and coming straight here to Jordan, it signifies how passionate I am about wanting to be out here and working with these people.

'This was the perfect opportunity for me and a few of the lads to prove we're not all prima donnas - we don't just do our training, nick off and flash money about, but we do care about the problems in deprived areas, and try and put smiles on the kids' faces like there were this morning. It was brilliant.'

During the session, Carl manned a skills station, taking care of around 160 children in total, a daunting experience for many more experienced than him, but like many things since he arrived at the club from Football Idol 18 months ago, he took it in his stride, and believes he may like to do more in the future.

'Before I came out here I have coached young kids previously so have a bit of experience, and like to think that one day, if I make a good career out of the game, or even if I don't, coaching is something I'd like to pursue because I've been given all the ingredients from the staff here at Chelsea and I think I can take that knowledge to put it to best use,' he said.

As for the bike ride, held in aid of Inflammatory Breast Cancer UK, he was happy to report no major glitches.

'It all went well, one of the lads had to drop out after a short period but the rest of us completed it with no problems, battling against the elements with the wind. It was so bad going downhill we were having to pedal against it downhill, but we stuck together and got through it well. It was thoroughly enjoyable as well as hard work,' he smiled.

'On the way through the route, we were sporting our t-shirts for breast cancer and a lot of people recognised it and picked up what we were doing, throwing in money here and there.'

So all in all, it has been a busy week for the Geordie, who missed just two reserve team games this season, but the memories are certain to last a lot longer than the fatigue.

Don't miss more on the Chelsea trip to Jordan exclusively on Chelsea TV. notas_de_prensa_archivo