'I'm an ex-Chelsea and Tottenham star - now my son has made breakthrough in England'

Former Chelsea and Tottenham striker Eidur Gudjohnsen has backed his son Andri to surpass his own footballing achievements. He has insisted the promising Blackburn Rovers forward possesses "all the potential" to excel at the highest level.

The Icelandic legend enjoyed considerable success during his time in England, securing two Premier League titles, a League Cup and a Community Shield with Chelsea. Gudjohnsen's trophy cabinet also includes silverware from his spell at Barcelona, most notably the Champions League triumph in 2008/09. However, it is his son Andri who is currently generating excitement in the Championship, having impressed since joining Blackburn from Gent during the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old striker has begun establishing himself under the guidance of manager Valerien Ismael.

Following the club's 2-1 victory against Southampton, in which Andri netted the winning goal, Ismael said: "It might be a breakthrough (for him). It's been difficult for him this week as a striker because of the games, but we felt we could play him a lot longer today due to going through to next Saturday.

"We're very pleased for Andri to get that breakthrough. He's paid to score goals and we could see why."

One individual who has recognised Andri's potential from the start is his father, who stated in 2024 that his son will reach the very top. Gudjohnsen said: "Andri has the ability to play as a complete striker. I never considered myself to be a complete striker when I played because I always needed to have a player in front of me.

"Andri doesn't need that. He is a pure striker and he relies on support and power from the midfield players and the wingers.

"Andri is strong in the air - much better than his dad. He is skilful, thanks to the fact that he had his academy years in Spain, and he reads the game well. He has it all in his locker. I can see him going only one direction - and that is up.

"I don't say this as a father but as an analyst. I can see he has all the potential to grow to a higher level and make more steps in his career."

Andri has already come up against one of his father's former sides when Genk travelled to Stamford Bridge for a Conference League encounter. The forward provided an assist in the second half to make it 2-1, but Chelsea ultimately won 4-2.

At the time, Eidur was delighted about the draw and expressed his affection for Chelsea. He said: "When the European draw was made it was quite a moment and Andri immediately sent me a message.

"Five minutes later we were on the phone, talking about this match against Chelsea.

"Of course I was hoping my son's team would get Chelsea because it would be a marvellous story and a fantastic experience for him and the lads. I still have so many connections at Chelsea and at least three or four times a year the club invites me to return as their guest.

"I always get top treatment there. The club really looks after me - even though my first-ever league title with Chelsea is now 20 seasons ago. Andri was four years old when he was walking on the pitch with me after winning the title again in 2006.

"I remember a great moment when he played on the pitch with Didier Drogba's sons when we were celebrating the title with the fans. They loved it."