A Chelsea player from Serbia has become a local hero in his home village by paying off everyone’s debts, reports the Mirror.
Nemanja Matic grew up in the village of Vrelo in western Serbia, which has a population of just over 1,600 people.
Matic started off playing for teams in Serbia and Slovakia before being bought by Chelsea for around £1.5million in 2009 and then again in 2014 for £21million.
The player has not forgotten his roots though, and villagers from his home turf have held him up as an example to humanity for his consistent financial help.
According to them, the footballer has continually paid off the tabs or debts at the local store and has donated money for repairs to be made at the elementary school which he himself attended.
The store attendant, Liljana Popovic, said: “The first thing that Nemanja does when he gets here is to visit the local store where he asks for the list of debts of the local people who only buy basic products, and he pays for everything, for everybody.”
The principle of the school Bosko Saric commented: “Nemanja funded the playground for the children and says he will continue in summer. He plans to bring mobile baskets, goals, and balls, as well as sports equipment.”
The villagers describe how the much-loved figure even settles the gambling debts of his peers and also finances the construction of the village’s drinking fountain in front of the local church.
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