Chelsea striker Armando Broja was delighted with his goal in victory over Wolves.
It marked Broja’s first goal for Chelsea in the Premier League.
“Today is my dad’s birthday – it was a really good gift for him,” Broja said with a smile after the victory. “The players were really nice to me in the changing room and said nice things. It was an amazing moment for me and my family. My parents are probably buzzing somewhere around the stadium.
“It was difficult for my parents mostly, they always tried to give me a better life, an easier life for me and 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.”
The influence of Ronaldo, the Brazilian great, came from Broja’s father Xhevahir. It was him who showed his son videos of the forward dancing beyond challenges and scoring breathtaking strikes.
“He was my dad’s favourite player, is still my dad’s favourite player,” Broja explained. “He loved him, watched him all the time, and always wanted me to play like R9. He always showed me clips on YouTube and we would sit and watch his games. He loved him and that’s where I got my love for him. I watch a lot of his game and try to get little tricks and stuff he did. My dad played a big role in getting me here.
“I think it was [a Ronaldo-esque finish],” Broja explained. “It was a great ball from Kova which allowed me space in behind then I could cut in on my right side and finish in the bottom corner. I’ve been practicing my finishing a lot in training with all the other strikers. I see them in training every day and get a little stuff off them.”
