A FORMER Premier League fan favourite has gone viral after footage of him crying at Euro 2024 emerged.
Newcastle United cult hero Temuri Ketsbaia enjoyed three years on Tyneside between 1997 and 2000.
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 now 56-year-old is in charge of the Cypriot national team but missed out on leading them to the Euros.
However, that has not stopped him from heading to Germany himself to watch his home nation in action.
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Ketsbaia, who scored 17 times in 52 caps, was pictured alongside his fellow ex-Georgia ace Shota Arveladze, 51, during their 2-0 win over Portugal on Wednesday.
And as the country’s national anthem was played prior to kick off, Ketsbaia was spotted wiping away tears as the emotion got the better 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 Georgia flag throughout, were “legends”.
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A third said: “A great character and he was an amazing talent.”
While a fourth said: “Great to see they still have the passion and love for the game and their country.”
Footie fans across the continent have fallen in love with Georgia at this summer’s tournament.
Even though they lost 3-1 to Turkey in their opening game, Willy Sagnol’s side have since gone above and beyond expectations on their tournament debut.
Georgia drew 1-1 with Czech Republic before earning a historic 2-0 win over Euro 2016 champions Portugal.
That meant that they progressed to the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams.
Georgia will now look to continue that fairytale when they face much-fancied Spain in the last-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 stint at Dundee was followed by him finishing his playing career at Anorthosis Famagusta in Greece.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
