VINTAGE FORM
Unrecognisable Premier League flop, 54, expands portfolio with WINE business after quitting to sell vacuum cleaners
See which Swedish celeb he has teamed up with
A PREMIER LEAGUE flop has swapped boots for bottles - by starting a wine business.
The World Cup star, 54, was in vintage form when Leeds paid Parma a then club-record £4.5million for him in 1995.
4
4
4
4
But matters quickly turned sour, and the Swede, who nearly won the 1994 Ballon d’Or, was dubbed one of the Elland Road club's worst-ever signings.
In total, Thomas Brolin made just 20 appearances amid weight and injury concerns, and drove Leeds fans to drink before twice being sent out on loan.
He joined Crystal Palace in 1998, but played just 13 times as the Eagles dropped out of the Premier League.
Brolin quit footy to sell vacuum cleaners at the age of 28 and these days looks completely unrecognisable with a beard.
He has now teamed up with TV cook Catarina Konig to launch an Italian wine brand called "11."
Nicknamed Cattis, the two-time Swedish MasterChef winner lives near Brolin in Sigtuna, north of capital Stockholm.
Brolin said: “I've had a restaurant before, and lived in Italy. That is where I learned that wine is a very nice drink.
“I was only 20 at the time and not very interested, but a seed was sown. Last February I met a wine importer, and the idea grew more.
Most read in Football
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
“Then I thought that if I had Cattis - who trained as a sommelier and knows food and wine - with me the idea would be a lot more credible.
“I asked her if she wanted to join me and she took seven seconds to say yes.
Football icons' strange hobbies
“We tested [the wines in Italy] through last autumn. It has been a secret project.
“The label is important. We didn't want our faces on it, like with some celebrity wines.
“But 11 was my shirt number. And it was also the number of times Cattis has won MasterChef - one plus one!
Who are these famous footballers?
- I was West Ham captain but I almost went to jail over bankruptcy
- I'm a former Man Utd star and I once stole a girl from Ronaldo
- I'm an ex-Man Utd star - now I own a dog-themed B&B
- I was Thierry Henry's toughest opponent but quit to become a pastor
- I’m a former Wolves striker but I left football behind to become a vicar
“It is going great. We are working with smiles on our faces."
Brolin previously inspired Sweden to third place at the 1994 World Cup finals.
At club level, the height of his career was undoubtedly firing Parma to both Uefa Cup and Uefa Cup Winners' Cup success.
SUNSPORT'S TRANSFER NEWS LIVE
STAY in the know this summer with The Sun's transfer experts.
Chelsea have agreed the £42m transfer of Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, according to reports.
Italian giants Juventus are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
Bayern Munich are eyeing up a summer move for Chelsea's Levi Colwill, according to reports.
Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.