Super Eagles duo of John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses joined other Chelsea players to spread some Christmas spirit at the club’s festive fun day, as they surprised children and their families with a visit at the Westminster Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.
The players spread festive cheer with the visit, delivering presents for the kids, posing for pictures and signing autographs around the wards. Sadly, some of the children will be in hospital over Christmas and so the Blues popped in following the morning’s training session at Stamford Bridge.
The annual visit to the Chelsea and Westminster, just along the Fulham Road, is a significant one for the players. Club legend John Terry was joined by the likes of Eden Hazard, Cesar Azpilicueta, Nemanja Matic and David Luiz to hand out presents, sign autographs and pose for photographs with the club’s younger supporters.
Pedro, Michy Batshuayi and Kurt Zouma also attended the event and the French defender appeared to be all smiles as he continues his rehabilitation from a long-term knee injury. Earlier in the day, Blues boss Antonio Conte visited Chelsea and Westminster Hospital to hand out presents to children who have been forced to spend the Christmas period away from home in hospital.
First-team regulars Willian, Marcos Alonso and Cesc Fabregas also spent time with the children and staff at the hospital, which is situated just a short distance from Stamford Bridge.
Brazilian stars Kenedy and Luiz also gave up their morning to take part in the visit and the former Paris Saint-Germain defender proved to be especially popular with a number of young Blues fans. “Each year we come and it is important for us as players to do this and to see the kids,’ said Cesar Azpilicueta.
“I am a parent myself and I know how special this time is. Christmas is normally a very happy time but for these kids and their families it is very difficult so it is nice for us to come here, give them presents and to spend time with them. It is also nice for us to be able to do this and to make people’s day nicer.”
One young admirer of the Spanish international was Lucy Pollock, below, who was delighted to meet the players and receive a selfie stick. “She has had some issues with her tummy and has go to start a diet of a milky drink for the next six weeks which will get her better,’ her mum Lucy explained. ‘She’s been in and out since 6 November, but we are going home for Christmas which is very exciting.
“It’s fantastic to see the players. It’s quite quiet here normally and she feels like she has missed the build-up to Christmas at school with the play, the games and the jumper day, so it’s lovely for the players to come in.”
Meanwhile, Conte’s men return to action against Bournemouth on Boxing Day before facing Stoke at home on New Year’s Eve.