Babayaro hangs out with UEFA.com
Thursday, May 17, 2012
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Former Chelsea FC defender Celestine Babayaro took time out of his schedule at the UEFA Champions Festival to take users' questions in UEFA.com's second Google+ hangout.
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Celestine Babayaro is the youngest player to have appeared in the UEFA Champions League. He was 16 years and 87 days old when he started for RSC Anderlecht against FC Steaua Bucureşti on 23 November 1994 before going on to make 132 appearances for Chelsea FC in more than seven years at Stamford Bridge. The former Nigerian international's experience made him an excellent candidate to take users' questions in our second Google+ hangout at the UEFA Champions Festival in Munich.
UEFA.com: Have you looked around the festival and what do you think of Munich?
Celestine Babayaro: I've just come in now and it's an amazing scene, great build-up for the final on Saturday. Munich is beautiful. I could see the sights from the hotel room and it's exciting.
Ariel Vasili: Do Chelsea have the quality in defence to stop the likes of Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben?
Babayaro: They have the quality to anyone, they are in the final and that says it all. Against Barcelona in the semi-final no one gave them a chance but they got through. They are in the final on Saturday and I think they are going keep it tight.
Alexi: What are the key battles for Chelsea on Saturday night?
Babayaro: Bayern are a great team so Chelsea need to stick together from the start and play as a team, especially in defence. Bayern are going to play their normal system and I think Chelsea are going to stick to their style which is to build from defence and try to create chances.
Simon Knights: How impressed have you been with Roberto Di Matteo since he took over?
Babayaro: Very impressed. The team have been rejuvenated and they’re playing some amazing football and winning games. Whatever happens on Saturday hopefully he will be the permanent manager.
Chukwuemeka Afigbo: Do you have any plans to get involved with Nigerian football?
Babayaro: I would like to be involved in Nigerian football. I'm available and I've not been asked yet but I would like to if I am asked.
Henry Eccles: You had great celebrations when you were a player but now that you've finished the game what special tricks do you have?
Babayaro: Thanks for that! The only thing I'm worried about now is stopping myself from doing backflips.
Taylor Williams: Which upcoming Nigerian talent should football fans be most excited about?
Babayaro: Victor Moses. He's very quick, his movement is incredible and he's going to be a great player.