Kai Havertz reveals his teammates call him ‘donkey’ and explains his wholesome relationship with the animal

Chelsea star Kai Havertz has revealed why his teammates nicknamed him ‘donkey’.

The 23-year-old forward was involved in one of Chelsea’s most memorable moments after netting the winner in the 20/21 Champions League final.

Despite his heroics, many feel that Havertz’s Chelsea career has so far been slightly disappointing. But he is starting to find form in recent weeks, with the Blues starting to gel under Graham Potter.

Now, the German has revealed his love for animals, and the heartwarming reason behind being nicknamed ‘donkey’ by his Chelsea teammates.

He explained to The Guardian: “Some of my teammates call me Donkey. It’s not because of my football.

“From day one, I felt a special relationship with donkeys. 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.”

As it turns out, his love for donkeys started way back when he was young after his parents gifted him a cuddly donkey toy.

When he was 18, Havertz’s parents gave him three real ones via adoption at a sanctuary.

On Wednesday, Havertz announced the launch of his own charity, The Kai Havertz Stiftung, which has been inspired by animal welfare, youth development and elderly care.

Havertz also spoke candidly about the pressure of joining Chelsea for a whopping transfer fee of £72 million.

He said: “For me the price was a big thing.

“I was Chelsea’s most expensive player. I don’t understand how so much money is paid but it is normal in football: look at our recent transfers. That brings pressure because people think you are Messi.

“I was still 20, 21. People don’t see that; they see the price so you have to be great from day one. You can feel it, the tension. You read it, hear it.”

Havertz will hope to help Chelsea finish the season strongly as they return to Premier League action this weekend against Aston Villa.