There’s more than just football in the life of Alex Frei (45). Without a club for eight months and his departure from Aarau, the former striker took the opportunity to deepen his passion for… cheese. So much so that he was certified cheese sommelier this Monday, during a ceremony organized in Bern.
It all started with a sentence slipped into an interview given to “Blick” in September 2023. “I would like to open a cheese factory,” he said. His desire was not lost on the Switzerland Cheese Marketing organization, responsible for promoting Swiss cheeses on a global scale. Invited to take training to learn the secrets of the product, Frei responded favorably when he found himself free.
The former striker who played for Servette, Rennes, Dortmund and Basel, who still holds the record for the number of goals scored in the Swiss team (42), followed an 11-day seminar including four exams (written, practical, oral and sensory). “He has deepened his knowledge of cheese varieties, maturing, sensory analysis and perfect pairings,” says Switzerland Cheese Marketing in a press release.
Alex Frei emerged from this experience with a diploma. “A Swiss cheese sommelier knows “his” product like the back of his hand. He knows everything about its origin, manufacturing and preparation, and can accurately describe the taste, texture and different flavors,” explains Switzerland Cheese Marketing.
Enough to allow the Basel resident to carry out his project. “I won’t open a cheese factory right away, but I will certainly do something in this area next year,” he reacted in comments reported by the British newspaper “The Sun”. It will be small scale at first, but I will think big for the future.”
While Frei is struggling to launch his coaching career (only 38% victories between Wil, Winterthur, Basel and Aarau), he has a new idea for reconversion.
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