If you’re feeling the full force of economic gloom, then you should look away now… pictures of Chelsea’s mega-rich stars enjoying a lavish night out while the rest of us are forced to tighten our belts are hardly going to lift your mood.
The players racked up an incredible £105,000 booze bill during a four-hour session at a London nightclub to celebrate striker Salomon Kalou’s 24th birthday.
While some of their cash-strapped fans were probably scraping together enough for a pint at last orders in their local, money was clearly no object for their idols.
They apparently worked their way through 20 bottles of vodka, 10 bottles of Jack Daniels, a £5,000 Jeroboam of Cristal and four £400 Quaich Trophy cocktails – the club’s signature drink, served in a giant, 18th century silver solid cup.
Tucked away in the club’s VIP section, decked out with blue balloons, the players took over the venue – forcing revellers including Prince Harry to sit elsewhere.
A source said: “They were in high spirits and out to have a good time whilst still in pre-season.
“It was a surprise party thrown for Salomon by his girlfriend and all the players were invited.
“Salomon didn’t want to go in initially as he was hoping for a quiet, more sober affair.
“But within minutes of entering the club, he was mobbed.
“He quickly found some motivation and got the rounds in, thanking everyone for their attendance. The VIP section was filled with 90% women, all vying for the players’ attention and it was the girls who drank most of the alcohol.
“They were drinking champagne quicker than the lads could order it.
“The bar bill may seem astronomical for most people but for the players it equates to little more than a few hours wage.
“For the average Joe, it’s a pretty sobering thought.”
Captain John Terry, 28, was at the party in Whisky Mist. But he never touched a drop of booze and drove himself home in his Bentley at 12.45am.
Other first team members at the bash included Michael Ballack, Didier Drogba and Michael Essien.
Shortly before midnight, a man playing the bagpipes came out, leading a rowdy chorus of Happy Birthday.
One of the stars launched into a Highland jig as fire-crackers were set off.
Despite being edged out of the limelight, Prince Harry, 24, sent over a bottle of champagne for birthday boy Kalou.
It was clear the players enjoyed a great night out with no expenses spared.
But the extravagant scenes will not sit pretty with hard-up supporters, many crippled by the recession.
Fans are often forced to make financial sacrifices just to go and watch a Premiership game with their families at today’s inflated ticket prices.
The average UK annual salary stands at £26,000. But Terry earns £135,000 a week. So to see their idols living it up without a care in the world will leave a sour taste in fans’ mouths.
Via: The Daily Mirror
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