Roberto Di Matteo is an icon at Chelsea FC for his achievements both on and off the pitch. The Italian famously scored in 42 seconds against Middlesbrough to help the Blues win the FA Cup at Wembley in 1997. At the time, this goal was the quickest in history.

He stayed with the London side for six years but that wasn’t the conclusion of his fairytale affiliation. In 2011, Di Matteo returned to Stamford Bridge as Assistant to Andres Villas-Boas but was then appointed as the rst team manager for the following year.

It didn’t take the 46-year-old long to make an impact from the sideline. He guided Chelsea to their maiden UEFA Champions League title after defeating Bayern Munich at their own Allianz Arena via a penalty shootout in 2012.

Di Matteo left Chelsea the following season and managed Schalke in Germany in 2014/2015. He has recently returned to English football at Championship club, Aston Villa.

Aside from football, Di Matteo has plenty of hobbies and one of them is golf. He was a late starter and only really pursued his passion when retiring from playing football due to recurring injury problems. He is an honest sportsman and realises he has many flaws in his game but that doesn’t prevent the retired midfielder from trying to get one up on all his former teammates and rivals out on the course.

Worldwide Golf: What handicap do you play off Roberto?

Roberto Di Matteo: I’m not very good. My handicap is 13 but I’m not a very talented golfer. 

WWG: When did your interest in playing golf begin?

RDM: I started to develop an interest in golf after retiring from football when I was about 32 years old. This is when I was properly introduced to the game.

WWG: Are there any former or current footballers that you play golf with. Which guys are the best?

RDM: Actually most of my ex-colleagues that I played with are quality golfers and people I still play with. The likes of Gianfranco Zola, Andriy Shevchenko and Carlo Cudicini are extremely good golfers and are much better than me. I certainly need to practice a bit more if I want to rise to their standard.

WWG: What would you say is the strongest part of your game if you had to pick?

RDM: I would probably say my putting. It’s probably the easiest part of golf in my opinion.

WWG: What needs working on?

RDM: My driving isn’t very good. I need to improve my tee shots because I find it challenging using a driver.