Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has revealed his heartwarming 'silly gesture' goal celebration is for his two nieces, one of whom has down's syndrome.
Kovacic, who signed for Chelsea on-loan in the summer of 2018 before making the move permanent in the summer, failed to score throughout the entirety of last season.
But the Croat broke his Blues duck in the Mestalla last month against Valencia with a sweetly struck effort, and followed that up with a 'silly-hand' to the nose - now, the 25-year-old has divulged why.
'I’ve had the celebration prepared for a while because I didn’t score last season!’ Kovacic told the official club website.
'It’s actually for my nieces. I have two nieces, one of which has Down’s Syndrome, and they do that [hand action] with me a lot.
'I love her a lot and the celebration was for them.
‘It’s nice when you score and you can celebrate with the family. They have waited a long time but now I hope I can continue like that.’
Nesaiknruy_Legend
431
Kova has been my favourite player this season, more so now knowing this. I hope he succeeds as a Chelsea legend.
kacabdirtu
343
pure love, not ashamed to say it out 💖💗💯