A former Premier League fan favorite has gone viral after footage emerged of him crying at Euro 2024.
Newcastle United cult hero Temuri Ketsbaia spent three years on Tyneside between 1997 and 2000.
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The Georgian’s passionate displays won him many admirers in the North East.
But he will always be remembered for his wild goal celebration after coming off the bench to score the winner against Bolton in 1998.
The player, now 56, is in charge of the Cypriot national team, but missed the opportunity to take them to the Euros.
However, that didn’t stop him from going to Germany in person to see his home country in action.
Ketsbaia, who scored 17 goals in 52 international appearances, was pictured alongside his former Georgia ace Shota Arveladze, 51, during the 2-0 win over Portugal on Wednesday.
And as the country’s national anthem was played before kick-off, Ketsbaia was spotted wiping away tears as emotion got the best of him.
“Ketsbaia gave us some truly magical memories,” recalled one fan after watching the footage.
Another declared that both he and Arveladze, who was waving a Georgian flag, were “legends”.
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A third said: “A great character and an incredible talent.”
While a fourth said: “It’s great to see they still have passion and love for the game and their country.”
Football fans across the continent fell in love with Georgia at this summer’s tournament.
Despite losing 3-1 to Turkey in their opening game, Willy Sagnol’s side have since exceeded expectations in their tournament debut.
Georgia drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic before claiming a historic 2-0 victory over Euro 2016 champions Portugal.
This meant they progressed to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams.
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Georgia will now try to continue that fairy tale when they face Spain in the round of 16 tomorrow.
Ketsbaia scored 14 goals in 107 appearances during his time at St James’ Park.
He also played for Wolves in England before a spell at Dundee was followed by him finishing his playing career with Anorthosis Famagusta in Greece.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
