Football star delighted to have rescue donkey's foal named after him.

A foal born at The Donkey Sanctuary’s headquarters in Devon has been named after footballer Kai Havertz, much to the player’s delight.

Like his namesake, Kai the foal has shown an interest in football, playing with a ball provided to him and his mother Rosie for enrichment.

Staff at the sanctuary chose the name after reading a newspaper article in which the German international spoke about his affection for donkeys.

Havertz enjoyed spending time at a local donkey sanctuary when he was growing up in Aachen, Germany. He has since sent up a not-for-profit organisation, Kai Havertz Stiftung, which supports animal protection and welfare, as well as focusing on youth sport, and youth and elderly care.

Kai, the footballer, said: “I have followed the work of The Donkey Sanctuary for some time so when they got in touch to say they’d like to name a foal after me, I was delighted.

“Donkeys are such incredible animals, and I am very happy to give my name so this little donkey can help raise awareness of the importance of good donkey welfare, here and all around the world.”

Marianne Steele, chief executive of The Donkey Sanctuary, added: “Kai has proved to be a real champion of donkeys in every sense of the word.

“We are so pleased to have the opportunity to name our new foal after him and hope he will continue to inspire people to think about donkeys differently.”

Image (C) The Donkey Sanctuary