Topics:Ā Premier League, EFL Championship
Luton Town midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu has made history by becoming the first player to go from the National League to the Premier League with the same club.
The Hatters beat Coventry City 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the Championship play-off final at Wembley to earn promotion to the top flight for the first time in 31 years.
It's an incredible achievement for Luton, who were playing Non League football in 2013/14 and had a spell in administration resulting in a points deduction and relegation in 2009.
They returned to the Football League after winning the National League title nine years ago under John Still and one of their stars was there all the way for the journey.
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Mpanzu, a West Ham academy graduate, joined the club on loan in 2013 when they trained on a public playing field where residents would walk their dogs.
The versatile midfielder has seen all the lows at Luton but experienced the highest of highs at 29 in finally being able to sign he is a Premier League player.
It follows on from the stories of Jamie Vardy and Jarrod Bowen but Mpanzu's is extra special considering he did it all with Luton.
Asked about the achievement after the win, he told Sky Sports: "I feel like I've completed football, man!
"I'll retire this summer, I'm done! It's been a journey. I've been through the highs and lows but you've got to believe in yourself and here I am, a Premier League player."
Mpanzu briefly wore the armband at Wembley after Tom Lockyer was forced off early on in worrying scenes, but the former Boreham Wood encouraged his teammate to leave hospital and join in the celebrations after it was communicated that the Wales international was conscious and doing well.
The Congolese international is a massive Arsenal fan and will be looking forward to coming up against the Gunners next season.
