FOOTBALL fans were left stunned yesterday as a household name from the past looked unrecognisable during the Champions League draw.
One of the best midfielders of his time, but this time, he wasn’t playing, he was the one pulling the strings behind the scenes.
The ex-Chelsea star looked unrecognizable during the Champions League draw on FridayCredit: Reuters
In his days he was considered as one of the best midfielders in his positionCredit: Getty
A key player for Portugal and some of the biggest clubs in Europe, he’s no stranger to glory.
At his peak, he was one of the best for his country, playing at every level from under-15s all the way to the national team.
It’s been years since this football legend hung up his boots, but his name still echoes through the game.
During the draw, some had to go down memory lane before recalling that it was Maniche.
The Portuguese dynamo who starred for clubs like , , and Chelsea.
He was a key figure in Porto’s 2004 Champions League triumph under Jose Mourinho, and his performances for the Portuguese national team, including a run to the 2004 Euros final, made him a household name.
Known for his powerful presence in midfield, sharp passing, and knack for scoring crucial goals, Maniche was a key part of every team he played for.
From Portugal to the Premier League, his career was one filled with success, with trophies stacking up at every turn. But on Friday, instead of gracing the pitch, he was orchestrating the fate of Europe’s elite clubs from the draw table.
Maniche was a key man for Portugal during Euro 2004Credit: AP:Associated Press
As the draw began, the tension was palpable. Chelsea were paired against PSG, were handed Galatasaray, will take on , Manchester City take on Real Madrid and Tottenham face Atletico Madrid.
Newcastle, the sixth English team, will face Spanish giants Barcelona.
With the draw now clear, the road to the final is shaping up to be a real rollercoaster ride.
But while fans were focusing on the draw itself, it was the identity of the man behind it that really got people talking.
It wasn’t just any ex-footballer pulling the strings, it was Maniche, the same player who once bossed midfield for top clubs and made a name for himself on the international stage.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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