Asmir Begovic, the 37-year-old goalkeeper, has been seen training with non-league side Aldershot Town as he prepares for his next club. After his contract with Queens Park Rangers expired, Begovic is currently a free agent. In order to maintain his fitness during the off-season, he has joined Aldershot for their pre-season training sessions.
Begovic was photographed in the club’s blue kit, participating in diving and shot-stopping drills during the team’s second training session of the year. While it may seem unusual for a seasoned Premier League player to train with a fifth-tier club, Begovic’s connection to Aldershot likely stems from his relationship with the club’s goalkeeping coach, David Smalley. Smalley, who holds a Uefa A grade license, joined Aldershot last summer and is a friend of Begovic. He also happens to be the lead goalkeeper coach at Begovic’s goalkeeper academy.
Having played over 250 Premier League matches for clubs like Chelsea, Stoke, and Bournemouth, Begovic is no stranger to English football. His most notable spell was at Stoke, where he made 160 appearances and even scored a goal. Throughout his career, Begovic has won two trophies in English football. The first was the Premier League title with Chelsea in the 2016/17 season, while the second was the 2008 FA Cup with Portsmouth, although he did not feature in the final.
As for Aldershot Town, they finished 8th in the National League last season. Founded in 1992 as a phoenix club of Aldershot, they last played in the football league in 2013. While Begovic’s presence at a non-league club may raise eyebrows, it is not uncommon for professional players to train with lower-tier teams during the off-season to maintain their fitness and stay sharp.
Overall, Begovic’s decision to train with Aldershot Town demonstrates his dedication to staying in shape and finding a new club. It also highlights the importance of personal connections in the football world, as his relationship with the club’s goalkeeping coach paved the way for this opportunity. Whether Begovic will sign with Aldershot or move on to another club remains to be seen, but his commitment to training and preparation is evident.