Former international striker who SPAT at Steven Gerrard in England clash now a cheese-maker in shock career change

SWITZERLAND's record scorer Alex Frei plans to swap goals for Gruyere - by going into the CHEESE BUSINESS.

The former Borussia Dortmund, Rennes and Basel ace struck 42 times in 84 Swiss appearances.

Frei won four Super League titles with hometown club Basel.  He has since managed four different sides.

But the 45-year-old has now completed a four-month course run by the Switzerland Cheese Marketing organisation.

He has gained a diploma as a "cheese sommelier" - which entitles him to work in one of his homeland's most famous industries.

Frei was invited on the course after revealing his interest outside football was to open a cheese shop.

He said: "The course was very interesting, and something completely new for me.

"I learned everything about milk consistency, cheesemaking and consumption.  I have always been a big cheese fan.

"It was very impressive to see everything that goes into it.  The course took four months, and I had to take four exams at the end.

"The SCM invited me on it while I was still FC Aarau's coach, and when I left the job in March I approached them as I had more time on my hands.

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"I won't open a cheese shop straight away, but I will definitely do something with cheese next year.

"It will be small-scale at first - but I will think big about the future."

Frei has "fondue" memories of Manchester United after scoring three Champions League goals against the Red Devils in 2011.

But he lost his "Em-mental" composure during Switzerland's 3-0 Euro 2004 loss to England in Portugal.

The striker was seen to spit at Three Lions midfielder Steven Gerrard, and landed a three-match ban.