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Forgotten ex-Premier League star spotted during Spain's Euro 2024 celebrations

Home> Football> Football News

Published 09:29 15 Jul 2024 GMT+1

Forgotten ex-Premier League star spotted during Spain's Euro 2024 celebrations

Fans had forgotten about the ex-Premier League man.

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton

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A forgotten former Premier League star was spotted celebrating Spain's Euro 2024 win and fans couldn't quite believe it.

Spain were crowned European champions for the fourth time on Sunday when they beat England 2-1 in the final of Euro 2024.

Gareth Southgate's side were hoping to become the first England side to win a men's major tournament since 1966, but in truth the best team in the competition won.

Spain were frustrated by England in the first half but broke their resistance shortly after the break when Nico Williams fired a shot into the bottom corner.

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England hit back through Cole Palmer, but substitute Mikel Oyarzabal broke English hearts with a close range finish in the 86th minute.

While Spain were clearly the best side at Euro 2024, there was also plenty of narrative behind their win.

This was likely the final opportunity for older players like Alvaro Morata, Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez and Joselu to win a major tournament, as they broke through into the senior squad just after Spain's triumph at Euro 2012.

It was also the first taste of international glory for youngsters starring in their first major tournament, including Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who only started one match at the 2022 World Cup.

This Spain team is different, more direct and dynamic than those of the past. Yet there was one familiar face Premier League fans didn't expect to see celebrating on the pitch at full-time.

Ayoze Perez was spotted celebrating Spain's win. (Getty)
Ayoze Perez was spotted celebrating Spain's win. (Getty)

Ayoze Perez, formerly of Newcastle and Leicester, only made his Spain debut in June when he scored in a 5-0 win against Andorra.

The attacking midfielder, now playing in La Liga with Real Betis, was a surprise inclusion in Luis de la Fuente's squad.

At 30 years old it looked like his chances of representing his country were over, but the manager called him up to bring much needed experience and wisdom to a young dressing room.

Perez made a 12-minute cameo during Spain's group stage defeat of Italy, but in that time picked up an injury that prevented him from featuring again.

Despite his lack of involvement, there was something heartwarming about a well-liked squad member celebrating his team's triumph on the pitch with his teammates.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Euro 2024, Spain, England, Football

Alex Brotherton
Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a journalist at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He can often be found watching dreadful non-league football.

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@alex_brotherton

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