Kai Havertz nicknamed ‘Donkey’ by Chelsea team-mates – but there’s a heartwarming reason why

KAI HAVERTZ has revealed his Chelsea teammates have nicknamed him “Donkey.”

But there’s a heartwarming reason behind the tag.

Kai Havertz admits Chelsea teammates call him ‘Donkey’Alamy

Havertz, 23, is in his third season with Chelsea after a £71million move from Bayer Leverkusen.

The German forward is just one goal shy of his best Premier League return with seven strikes.

And three goals in his last three games has helped under-pressure Graham Potter turn the tide at Stamford Bridge.

Despite his upturn in form, Havertz has come under criticism from a section of supporters.

Some believe Chelsea need a proper No9 in order to launch a title bid.

And Havertz has now revealed he has been branded “Donkey” by his closest Blues pals.

However, the nickname has nothing to do with his undoubted ability on the pitch.

Instagram / @kaihavertz29Havertz earned the nickname through his love of donkeys[/caption]

The Champions League winner has made no secret of his connection to animals.

And donkeys hold a particularly special place in his heart.

Havertz told the Guardian: “Some of my teammates call me Donkey. It’s not because of my football.

“From day one, I felt a special relationship with donkeys. It’s a very calm animal: maybe I personalised myself in them because I’m calm too.

“They chill all day, don’t do much, just want to live their life. I loved them always.

“When I lost, I would go to the sanctuary. You look at the animals, see something human in them.

“It was a kind of recovery, a place I felt peace.”