'Blast from the past' Prem cult hero unrecognizable in UEFA Nations League draw
FANS were in for a surprise when they saw an unlikely cult Premier League hero take to the podium during the Nations League draw.
But some fans could be forgiven for not initially recognizing the winger as he looked very different from his playing days in the 90s.
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The player in question was none other than Latvian winger Marian Pahars.
Pahars played for Southampton between 1999 and 2006 and became a cult hero for Saints fans.
The diminutive winger had a baby face during his time on the south coast, but now sports a graying quiff and a salt-and-pepper beard.
At the height of his power, Pahars was even known as the Latvian Michael Owen.
Pahars scored 45 goals in 155 appearances for the Saints, playing in both the Premier League and Championship for the south coast club.
Fans were happy to see Pahars at the Nations League ceremony on X (formerly known as Twitter).
One wrote: “Marian Pahars at the Nations League draw! A blast from the past.”
Another said: “Marian Pahars… that's a blast from Premiership history.”
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A third wrote: “#SaintsFC legend Marian Pahars is part of the UEFA Nations League draw ceremony.” Next to a praying hands emoji.
After leaving the Saints in 2006, Pahars signed for Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta.
He then returned to Latvian side Skonto, the club where he started his career, before retiring from the now extinct Riga team Jurmala.
Pahars would go on to have a management career, managing Latvia for four years between 2013 and 2017.