The former star of Chelsea, Florent Maloudahas surprised the world by announcing his incorporation into the army of the Guiana Frenchwhere it has become part of the citizen reserve of the 3rd Forest Infantry Regiment (REI). This move marks a new chapter in the life of the former soccer player, who had a brilliant career in professional sports.
Malouda, 44, enjoyed an outstanding period at Chelsea, a team with which he won multiple titles, including the much coveted Champions League in 2012. During his six seasons with the bluesbecame a benchmark in English football. In addition, he accumulated 80 international caps with the selection of Francescoring nine goals and reaching runner-up in the world.
The former footballer, born in cayennefrom French Guiana, has always maintained a strong connection with his homeland.
In a recent publication on instagramMalouda shared images with his military equipment in the middle of the Amazon jungle. He captioned the photo: “While passing through the Amazon in my home territory, I was able to follow an initiation during the 3rd REI CEFE Authorities course at the Equatorial Jungle Training Center. Thanks to REI for this moment of cohesion and for these values of team spirit in the face of adversity. These are essential values in high-level sport.
From the Foreign Legion, they confirmed his incorporation through a statement on social networks: “The 3rd foreign infantry regiment welcomes Mr. Florent Malouda into its citizen reserve, as an officer. After an exceptional career in international football, he is looking forward to sharing and transmitting the values of commitment to young Guyanese alongside the legionnaires of the 3rd REI.”
The citizen reserve system allows prominent public figures and professionals to volunteer their time and effort to promote the values of the military institution without needing to belong to active military personnel. In this context, Malouda will join the regiment’s military base in Kourou.
During his sporting career, Florent Malouda accumulated 12 important titles, including his time with the Olympique de Lyon, where he won four championships Ligue 1 and was named on several occasions among the best footballers in the tournament.
He also lived a brief period in Luxembourgplaying for him FC Differdange 03before retiring in 2018. Although his departure from Chelsea in 2013 was somewhat bitter, he continues to show his love for the club. Just a few weeks ago, he posted a photo wearing the away jersey of the blues of this season.
Malouda’s love for French Guiana was also reflected in 2017, when he played four games for his local team. Although this territory is considered part of France, allowing its players to represent both identities, Malouda has not forgotten his roots, and his new mission in the army reinforces that special bond with his birthplace.