Boxer Darren Barker celebrated his 30th birthday in a memorable way – watching Chelsea’s historic Champions League victory and partying with the team afterwards.
Back in 2012, Barker traveled to Germany on his special day to witness the Blues’ attempt to make history against Bayern Munich.
The former world middleweight champion fondly remembers Chelsea’s thrilling penalty shootout victory.
The West London club became the first team from London to clinch the Champions League title, and Barker was right there with the players to celebrate.
He told SunSport: "We won the Champions League on May 19th in Munich. I was present."
"I witnessed us winning the Champions League, making history as the only London club to achieve this, and I celebrated with the players afterwards!"
"That memory will stay with me forever."
When asked if it was the best party he’d ever attended, Barker admitted with a smile: "Yes, it was definitely up there."
A year after Chelsea’s triumph in Munich, Barker experienced his own fairytale moment, overcoming adversity to defeat Daniel Geale and secure the IBF title.
He confessed that only his world title victory in New Jersey and the births of his four children surpass the experience of Chelsea’s first Champions League win.
Barker, now 42, commented: "No, winning the world title is definitely number one, but that Chelsea party is right up there."
"Considering I have four children, it ranks among the top six moments of my life."
"It’s probably best if I keep most of the details of that night to myself, or at least share only the toned-down versions."
Barker, who is friends with ex-Chelsea player Jody Morris, supports the current Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, despite recent inconsistent performances.
He stated: "There’s been too much instability in the past with constant managerial changes. I believe they should stick with Maresca, even though I’m not overly impressed with their current style of play."
"I was really impressed by PSG the other day; I even messaged my brother to say, ‘How good are PSG?’"
"Their ball movement, touch, flair, individual skill, and overall cohesion were fantastic."
"Then you watch Chelsea, and you just think, ‘Come on, lads! Get it together.’"
"However, I don’t think another managerial change is the solution right now, so they should persevere with him."
