Ex-Chelsea player retires at 24 years old to join army after 'losing taste for football' - and is ready to fight on frontlines in Ukraine

Nicolas Tie, once considered a promising young goalkeeper at Chelsea, has made the surprising decision to retire from professional football at just 24 years old. Instead of continuing his sporting journey, Tie has opted to pursue a life of service in the French army.

The Lille-born goalkeeper spent three years at Stamford Bridge, between 2017 and 2020. Although he never made a first-team appearance for the Blues, he gained valuable experience competing in the Premier League 2, UEFA Youth League, and the Under-18 Premier League, playing alongside some of Chelsea's most highly regarded prospects.

Seeking greater opportunities, Tie moved to Portuguese club Vitoria SC in 2020. However, a breakthrough into their senior team eluded him as well, and the young keeper’s professional career never quite hit the heights that had once been forecasted.

Speaking in an interview with Ouest France, Tie opened up about his motivations for leaving football behind.

"I've had some good tests, I've got the regiment I asked for," Tie said. "I'm ready, I'm training every day for this. I always liked military careers, so I said to myself: 'Why not join the army?' My stepfather is a paratrooper in Ivory Coast; I would go to the barracks to observe… It inspired me."

Tie expressed his willingness to participate in overseas military operations if needed, including potential deployment to Ukraine.

"I don’t do politics. I have committed to treating the problem at the source," he said. "If the OPEX (external operations) in Ukraine is open, let’s go! It doesn’t scare me."

While Tie embarks on his new adventure, his former club Chelsea are focused on securing a Champions League berth for next season. They currently sit sixth, two points behind Newcastle, as they prepare for a crucial Premier League clash against Everton on Saturday.