To celebrate Eddie Newton's 54th birthday, Chelsea's official website has published a glowing feature on the retired tri-national midfielder, who was eligible to represent Nigeria's Super Eagles, England's Three Lions, and Jamaica's Reggae Boyz before hanging up his boots.

Born in London on December 13, 1971, Newton, a product of Chelsea's academy, rose through the ranks to establish himself as a first team player.

Over a fourteen-year association with the Blues, he made 214 official appearances, winning the FA Cup, League Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.

Newton also earned two caps for England's U21 side, including an appearance against Turkey in a European U21 Championship qualifier.

According to Chelsea, Newton, a key figure in the team that reached the 1994 FA Cup final, suffered a significant setback two seasons later when he broke his leg just as he was being tipped to break into the England squad.

Persistent knee injuries ultimately forced Newton to retire from professional football at the age of 30, after spells with Birmingham City, Oxford United, Barnet and Hayes.

Following his playing career, Newton has contributed to Chelsea off the pitch as the club's loan pathway manager, working with players such as Kenneth Omeruo, and also managed former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel during his time at Trabzonspor.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel