CHELSEA wonderkid Chris Atherton has controversially switched his international allegiance from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.
The winger, 17, was born in Armagh, Northern Ireland before started his career with local side Glenavon.
Chelsea youngster Chris Atherton has switched international allegiance from Northern Ireland to Republic of IrelandCredit: Getty
Atherton made history as the youngest player in senior football in the UK after appearing for Glenavon aged 13 and 329 days before the Blues snapped him up last year.
He has played for at Under-16 and Under-17 level and was seen as one of the country’s biggest prospects.
But according to the BBC, Atherton has committed to rivals .
Atherton is eligible to play for Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Scotland through his Glasgow-born father Stephen.
Stephen confirmed the news on X, saying he was “delighted” for his son.
He wrote: “Delighted for Christopher that this has finally went through,” his father Stephen wrote on X.
“Thanks to all the people at the FAI for their help and support during this process.”
He later told the Belfast News Letter that his son had “followed his heart”.
The winger became the youngest senior player in the UK after appearing for Glenavon aged 13Credit: Getty
Stephen said: “Our son is Irish. Christopher wants to play for Ireland.
“Crucially, he retains the self belief in his own ability that if he keeps working hard and developing then one day he will realise his dream of representing his country in a full international at the Aviva.
“For Christopher it was never about accumulating international caps early and always about following his heart.
“I’m sure that all right thinking members of the community in the North will respect and understand that.
“As a family we wish nothing but success for the IFA in the years to come.”
According to the Irish Independent, Atherton had a trial with the Republic of Ireland team in 2021 and impressed FAI coaches.
However, it says he was persuaded to stay with Northern Ireland by Irish Football Association’s head of elite youth performance Andy Walterworth.
Atherton was previously part of the UK and Ireland’s joint Euro 2028 bid in 2023 and at the time said he “dreamed” of representing Northern Ireland in the tournament.
Atherton joined Glenavon aged four and made a total of 34 senior appearances before making the move to .
He signed his first professional contract with the Blues in October and is described by the club as “quick, clever and fearless”.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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