For the player who was known and regarded as a flop, someone whose spell in England was brief, and so forgettable Iago Aspas as been Celta Vigo’s saviour since he joined as an 8-years-old boy.
Saturday was a whirlwind of emotions for Iago Aspas, as the forward returned from injury to start for Celta Vigo against Villarreal and scored two goals in the 3-2 comeback win, including the winner. He was seen sobbing on the bench (tears of joy).
The emotion of the victory, which brought Celta Vigo to within one point of safety, was clearly too much for the Galician hometown hero.
Born 19 kilometers from Vigo, Aspas grew up idolizing Celta players, intending one day to don the distinctive light blue shirt. At just eight-years-old his desire to play football was insatiable, but it seemed there would be an immediate setback.
The minimum age to trial for the academy at Celta was nine, news that brought Aspas to tears. His uncle, though, had different ideas. “Say you’re nine and you’re in,” he said.
Aspas tried out for the youth academy with no football boots, lying about his age, Aspas expected to be rejected but He was not, Celta didn’t care about his age as he had shown enough.
Under coach Javier Maté, Aspas progressed well over his three-year spell with Celta B and eventually reached the required level to make the move to the first team.
On 6, June 2009 Celta faced the unthinkable relegation to the third tier of Spanish football, Languishing at the bottom of the Segunda División, only a win against Alavés would give them a chance of survival, Aspas got a brace against Alavés, and, played a huge part in saving Celta from the drop that season and the next season he help them earn promotion back to La Liga after a five-year absence.
He made a move to Liverpool in 2013, a transfer met largely with loose optimism from Liverpool fans, and disappointment from fans of Celta.
For them, life without Aspas was one of uncertainty due to his constant and unparalleled impact in the club. Aspas upset at his departure, couldn’t prevent the tears flowing during the press conference.
He struggled at Liverpool and was loaned to Sevilla as he complained of missing his home, he eventually rejoined Celta Vigo in 2015 till date and has continued to save his boyhood club.
It’s fitting that a player with such an unadulterated desire to play for one club did so – and continues to do so – with such success.
The tale of Aspas’ first spell with Celta is one of footballing romanticism, almost a guideline for any youngster with a dream to follow.
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