Pavel Florin revealed how he almost became a priest in an entertaining European Cricket Studio live chat. Pavel Florin, 41, become an unlikely cricket superstar after his unique bowling went viral for Romania champions Cluj at the 2019 European Cricket League. Cluj president, Pavel broke his leg the week before the inaugural tournament - ECL19 - but battled on gamely despite the injury to send the internet into a spin.

European Cricket Studio - Pavel Florin – I almost became a priest

In a fascinating European Cricket Studio live chat with presenter Vinny Sandhu, Pavel Florin revealed how he almost became a priest and was close to joining the French Foreign Legion.

“My parents wanted me to become a priest. They told me this is your future, so I went to a priest school,” Pavel said.

“I love adrenalin, playing sport and travelling. But it was a good experience and it taught me patience. I have used everything that I learned there in my life.”

After finishing priest school, “everything changed” for Pavel who soon made plans to join the elite French Foreign Legion.

“I was turned back at the border to Hungary, so ended up in the Romanian Army instead. I weighed only 62 kilos when I joined but in the special forces, I became 85 kilos of pure muscle. The army and special forces made me into a man,” he added.

JOIN for more entertaining discussion with special guest Pavel Florin on “Maximo Chat” on Thursday’s European Cricket Studio with Vinny Sandhu. Get your questions in using #ECstudio, or message them to @europeancricket on Instagram. Pavel will answer them during a one-hour interactive chat - LIVE ON INSTAGRAM - 1500 GMT * 1700 CET * 2030 IST.