Romeo Lavia is the next Chelsea player to answer our quickfire questions about his early memories of the game.
The in-form midfielder recalls life growing up in Belgium, and remembers how it felt to sign for the Blues back in 2023…
**What was the first game you attended?**
Anderlecht against Standard Liege. A big game, the biggest in Belgium. It was a top atmosphere. I must have been seven or eight. It was pretty cool.
**What was the first kit you owned?**
I think it was a Brazil shirt with Ronaldo on the back and number nine.
**Who was the first team you played for?**
My grassroots team was called Woluwe-Zaventem.
**Who was your first coach?**
She was called Natalie. She gave me the opportunity to move to an elite club, Anderlecht.
**Who was your first friend in football?**
His name is Hugo Masaki. He plays for UD Leiria in Portugal now.
**Who was the first team-mate you roomed with on an away trip?**
I want to say Hugo as well!
**Who was your first team debut against?**
My first-team debut was with Man City against Wycombe Wanderers.
**What was the first goal you scored?**
That was for Southampton against Chelsea. I’m happy I have scored one for Chelsea now!
**When was the first time you were recognised in public?**
I must have been 15, when I was still at Anderlecht. It was in Brussels, and it was a very strange feeling! They must have been a big fan to know who I was.
**What was your first emotion after signing for Chelsea?**
Very proud, yeah. And I had all my family around, which made me even more grateful, happy, and excited.