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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.

Alex Frei has swapped football for cheese
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Alex Frei has swapped football for cheeseCredit: Switzerland Cheese Marketing AG (SCM)
The former international forward is now a cheesemaker in Switzerland
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The former international forward is now a cheesemaker in SwitzerlandCredit: Switzerland Cheese Marketing AG (SCM)
He completed a four-month course run by the Switzerland Cheese Marketing organisation
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He completed a four-month course run by the Switzerland Cheese Marketing organisationCredit: Switzerland Cheese Marketing AG (SCM)
He played 84 times for Switzerland during his playing days
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He played 84 times for Switzerland during his playing daysCredit: AP:Associated Press

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.

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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."

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He was hit with a three-match ban in 2004 after spitting at Steven Gerrard
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He was hit with a three-match ban in 2004 after spitting at Steven GerrardCredit: AP:Associated Press

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.

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