Former Chelsea forward Mateja Kezman committed to a life of monasticism after hanging up his boots and is now virtually unrecognisable following a remarkable transformation. The 46-year-old has long demonstrated his devout faith, particularly through his dedication to the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Kezman sports numerous tattoos in tribute to the church and regularly donned an undershirt bearing the image of Jesus Christ throughout his playing career. The ex-striker enjoyed a well-travelled footballing journey spanning nine countries, though Premier League supporters will undoubtedly remember him most fondly for the solitary season he spent at Stamford Bridge.
Having established himself as one of Europe's most lethal marksmen at PSV Eindhoven, netting 129 goals in 176 appearances, Kezman secured a £5million switch to the Blues during Jose Mourinho's debut season at the helm. Yet he was never able to replicate his prolific form in the Netherlands on English soil, managing just seven goals in 41 outings.
He did, however, collect a Premier League winner's medal and the League Cup trophy - including netting the decisive goal in the 3-2 final victory against Liverpool. Convinced he had a greater purpose beyond his sporting endeavours, Kezman previously made clear his desire to enter monastic life.
Speaking to the Standard in 2012, he declared: "I want to become a monk. It is God's decision. But if God calls me, I will do it."
Kezman boasts a receding hairline and quite the shaggy, partially grey beard, rendering him virtually unrecognisable from the player who graced numerous clubs across the globe. Despite failing to meet expectations at Chelsea, Kezman once expressed his fondness for his time at Stamford Bridge, while lamenting his inability to repay the supporters' faith in him.
"I am very happy and proud of my time in Chelsea in one year, but now it is behind me," Kezman previously told the Evening Chronicle. "I am very sad because of all the supporters in Chelsea, but it was a year with a lot of stress.
"For one year they were all behind me, giving me support in the stadium and on the street as well. I owe them more goals - one day it might happen, I might be back to Chelsea, you never know. But for now, I want to play and Mourinho was not going to give me a chance."
Former Chelsea team-mate Glen Johnson recalled how Kezman's fury at the club led to him venting his rage in the dressing room. The ex-England full-back told Betting Expert: "I don't remember what game it was but I remember what the dressing room was like!
"He smashed a few lockers up, put a few holes in the seats. It happens all the time, players aren't happy about coming off and he hadn't been playing much at the time and he was given an opportunity but he was frustrated with himself as he'd missed a few chances."