‘I'm demanding they pick me!’ – Premier League winner excited by his No Fuchs Given FIFA eSports team

Christian Fuchs is excited about the prospect of getting his teeth into the world of eSports as he attempts to grow his No Fuchs Given brand.

The Leicester defender, who won the Premier League with the Foxes in the 2015-16 season, believes that a combination of the growth of the industry and his experience in top-level sports stands his team in good stead to survive.

And, of course, the first team he has put together is for FIFA.

“It's logical that I'm starting with FIFA because of my role as a professional footballer, but even with the other games I can help with my experience in terms of them developing,” he told Goal .

“Personally, I played FIFA for a long time when I was younger, but I have seen the growth of eSports and how big it is getting. Now is the right time to get involved. 

“My son got me a bit more into it because he's always telling me about the guys he follows who play Fortnite and Overwatch, so I thought that would be a good thing to do.”

Fuchs’ team consists of Hibidi, Rusher7, Lou FIFA and Remdog, and he is confident he has put together a strong squad.

“We did our research and we have four very different characters,” he said. “I have met them all face-to-face and they are all very cool guys. I like people with character so it's perfect to symbolise the approach we are bringing to this project. I can't wait to see them play – it's very exciting.

“Short term, the aim is get the project on its feet and get a good reputation as fast as possible. I want the players that we have to improve and then qualify for tournaments. That can be done in the short term, and then in the long run it's about establishing the academy and acquiring new talent. We want to help them promote themselves to brands and other bigger teams. 

“We just want to be a helping hand.

“I'm still learning how the whole world of eSports works and the whole process, but I'm very eager. I don't have any particular player that we want our guys to face. Our goal is just to get them to tournaments and be successful.”

The 32-year-old admits that he has not had the chance to hone his skills much of late. 

“I have no time to play anymore, but in April when I was in New York I played a match against Mike LaBelle, the eSports athlete from New York Red Bulls,” he said. “He was asking me if I was any good and I said I could play but I never have time to anymore. In the end he just won 4-3, so it was a really good match-up. 

“I think I can play, but having three kids means my priorities aren't on playing FIFA.”

And as for his current squad, he will not be making any special demands as to what players they select – even if it means they don’t pick him.

“Of course – I'm demanding they pick me!” he joked. “No, they will pick their own teams, but if they pick Christian Fuchs then it would be a special bonus.”