Chelsea are preparing for their Champions League clash against Qarabag FK. It is a fixture the Blues are expected to win.
Over the weekend, they fended off their London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, in a close 1-0 victory. It was a back-to-back win for Enzo Maresca’s men.
However, there is something unexpected happened with Chelsea this week. One of their retired players came out of retirement to join a non-league outfit.
Steve Sidwell came out of retirement to play for Mercia United in a special one-off fixture that celebrated the spirit of grassroots football.
The Tamworth-based club had earned this experience through a nationwide competition. Moreover, over 3,000 teams entered, each dreaming of getting a full EFL-style matchday event.
Even with Sidwell in their lineup, Mercia United lost narrowly 1–0 to visitors Sitters FC. After the game, Sidwell reflected on the day, saying (via The Sun):
“What a fantastic initiative this is, and I’m proud to have been part of it. The non-league teams in this country truly represent the passion of local communities.
“It’s great to see Jameson and the EFL celebrating and rewarding them with this experience.”
Also, Sky Sports presenter David Prutton was there during the event, and he shared his thoughts as well, saying, “What a treat to see the great Steve Sidwell back on the pitch!”
Sidwell played for Chelsea during the 2007-08 season. He also represented the likes of Aston Villa, Fulham, Reading, Stoke City, and Brighton.
Finally, he hung up his boots in 2018. The Arsenal academy player won the League Two with Reading 2005/06 season.
Steve Sidwell made 25 appearances for Chelsea in the midfield during his one-year stint and scored a goal and assisted once.
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