The ‘spectacular’ Sokratis Papastathopoulos is still shining at the highest level aged 35 with the former Arsenal and Premier League defender making a big impact at Real Betis.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side have certainly made quite a name for themselves as a club where big-name players who have fallen on hard times can get their careers up and running again.
No wonder Pablo Fornals, out of favour at West Ham United, jumped at the chance to join in January, following in the footsteps of Nabil Fekir, Ayoze Perez and the masterful Isco.
Sokratis still making his mark two years after Arsenal exit
Sokratis Papastathopoulos appeared to have brought the curtain down on his time in Europe’s major leagues when he left Arsenal for Olympiakos back in 2021.
But, even with his 36th birthday approaching, the veteran defender is proving that age is but a number. Sokratis has started each of Real Betis’ last six La Liga games, Pellegrini’s team winning half of those to overtake Real Sociedad in the top six.
“Sokratis is a player with a lot of experience, with a great career at world level. He has played for very important clubs,” smiles Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva, pleased to have a centre-half of such vast experience ahead of him on the pitch and in the dressing room (Marca).
“He is a footballer who has helped us a lot and has contributed to us in these (last few) months. And also, as well as in football, he is a spectacular person. He always has a smile, is always happy and that infects us and helps us all.”
‘A spectacular person’
Sokratis, who left Arsenal on a free transfer two-and-a-half years after joining from Borussia Dortmund for a cool £18 million, played the full 90 minutes as Real Betis beat Cadiz 2-0 away from home on Friday.
Fornals marked his full debut with a goal at the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla too. And a pretty impressive one at that. The former Hammer cut inside and curled a stunning finish into the far corner.
“My first start. (I am) very grateful for the opportunity, to my team-mates and to everyone for the goal,” smiles Fornals.
“When you look to come to a team like Betis, you are afraid of how to fit in because it is full of great players. But it is easier for them to make you shine. I am very grateful for the week I spent working with them and (I hope) to continue working to give joy.”
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