Forgotten ex-Arsenal star, 29, handed shock call up by different national team three years after earning last cap

FORMER Arsenal star Hector Bellerin has been handed a shock call-up for an international friendly next Wednesday – but not for Spain.

The 29-year-old who last played internationally three years ago is set to represent Catalonia in a clash against Panama.

GettyHector Bellerin has been handed a shock call-up to represent Catalonia[/caption]

GettyBellerin made 239 appearances for Arsenal[/caption]

Despite not being recognised as an official team by Fifa and therefore not included in Fifa’s rankings, Catalonia can field players who are also eligible for the Spanish national team.

The upcoming friendly against Panama, currently ranked 45th by Fifa, will see Bellerin make his first cap for Gerard Lopez’s side.

Bellerin will join forces with notable stars such as Manchester City’s Sergio Gomez and his Real Betis teammates Aitor Ruibal, Marc Roca, and Sergio Altimira, as Catalonia announced their squad on Thursday.

Bellerin’s international experience with Spain includes four appearances, his first being a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2016.

His last appearance in Spain’s red and yellow was in 2020, and now he is poised to rejuvenate his international playing career.

Bellerin’s journey began at Barcelona before he transferred to North London in 2011.

During his tenure, he featured in 239 matches securing three FA Cups and two FA Community Shields, in addition to a Copa del Rey title during his loan spell at Real Betis.

Following a brief return to Barcelona, Bellerin moved to Sporting and then made his way back to Betis in the previous season.

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The ex-Gunner then returned to Barcelona for a short spell and then headed to Sporting before arriving back at Betis last season.

Catalonia’s most recent friendly match was a resounding 6-0 victory over Jamaica in 2022.

Among the victors were Chelsea’s Marc Cucarella and Aston Villa’s Alex Moreno.

Catalonia’s squad has been graced by the presence of football legends such as Pep Guardiola, Xavi, and Gerard Pique in the past.

Catalonia’s team to play against Panama next Wednesday