Darts star Chris Dobey reveals unlikely friendship with World Cup finalist he tried to get to sign for Newcastle

DARTS star Chris Dobey has revealed an unlikely friendship with Croatia international Marcelo Brozovic.

The world No 16 had an interview with Sky Sports this week and showed off some of his framed football shirts.

He turned around in his study to reveal shirts from ex-Newcastle brothers Sean and Matty Longstaff, Ipswich defender Leif Davis and former midfielder Brozovic.

He told Sky: “So Sean and Matty Longstaff I got [the shirts] off them and Leif sent [me his shirt] this year.

“Brozovic, I used to play online [darts] with him. He’s a good hand at the darts so… yeah, he sent [me] his shirt as well.

“I sent him a few things at the darts as well. But yeah, these are the ones I’ve managed to own and have been sent to me.”

Sky Sports presenter Michael Bridge was stunned at the brazen reveal he had played online darts with Brozovic and started laughing in the studio.

Dobey said Brozovic approached him during Covid and he eventually tried to convince the player to join his beloved Newcastle – to no avail.

The Bedlington thrower replied: “Yeah! During lockdown I was randomly messaged and I didn’t believe it at first.”

“We used to have FaceTimes. I used to be on FaceTime [with him] for an hour or so.”

Bridge laughed and said: “And you’re telling me this now?!”

Dobey added: “It was good fun to be fair. I tried to get him to Newcastle but he was having none of it!”

Brozovic is currently playing for Qatari side Al-Sadd having joined the club in September.

The 33-year-old previously spent three years playing with Saudi Pro League side alongside .

Before that he starred for Inter and played 330 times for the giants, scoring 31 goals.

He won Serie A and two Coppa Italia trophies during his time at the club, while also reaching the and finals.

Brozovic has picked up 99 caps for and was part of the team that reached the 2018 World Cup final before losing 4-2 to France.