Ex-Chelsea star Claude Makelele has landed himself a new job as a judge at this year’s Miss Universe contest.
The midfielder, who picked up two Premier League titles during his five years at Stamford Bridge, will be utilised in a non-footballing capacity for one night only.
Claude Makelele during his time at Chelsea
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Makelele won six trophies during his time at Chelsea including two Premier League titlesCredit: Getty
Makelele, who tried his hand at management after hanging up his boots in 2011, knows a thing or too about spotting talent and will take his eagle eye to another field.
Out of the Blue
“I think, in life, you need to have many experiences, and my people who work with me presented me with this opportunity. So why not?," Makelele told the Daily Star.
“We all come from ladies, we were born from ladies. We also have a family, we have a wife and we have a girlfriend.
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“Yes, the women in general are beautiful women. We love to see beautiful women, it’s normal. It will be my first experience, so I thought why not?”
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Makelele will travel to Thailand to judge the contest which takes place on November 21.
Upon arrival, the former France international may find himself in a tense situation after a confrontation between a Thai official and Miss Mexico at an event earlier this week.
The official was guilty of berating the contestant in front of fellow competitors for failing to post promotional content.
Miss Mexico subsequently walked out and was accompanied by several other contestants in solidarity.
His brief role will have come as much of a surprise to Makelele as it will to many others.
The 52-year-old is remembered for having the defensive midfield position named after him after excelling in the role - most notably for Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Claude Makelele signed on 31 August 2003, from Real Madrid, for £16m
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The Frenchman was a pioneer of the defensive midfield position
Claude Makelele was a Premier League title winner on two occasions during his time at Chelsea
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Claude Makelele was a Premier League title winner on two occasions during his time at Chelsea
Makelele also represented French giants Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain and Nantes whilst also turning out for Spanish side Celta Vigo.
He earned 71 caps with France and was on the losing side in the 2006 World Cup final.
The Frenchman went on to manage French side Bastia and Belgian club Eupen.
He also had a spell as Assistant manager to Paul Clement at Swansea.
Last year, he took charge of Greek outfit Asteras Tripolis, but left after just three games in charge, citing board interference in his squad selections and tactics for his exit.
Unfinished business
Despite his quick exit, Makelele is not yet ready to throw the towel in on management and vows to return to the dugout in due course.
Claude Makelele leaves Swansea City to take on managerial role in Belgium
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Makelele had a spell at Swansea as the club's assistant manager
He told SunSport: "I have a talent for seeing something in young players, many managers don’t have time to give young boys.
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"They need understanding and listening to.
“I’m thinking about it. One day I will come back and manage a team again.”