Former Premier League stars are everywhere at the moment when watching the FIFA World Cup, but some of those who plied their trade in England have made the most of their stardom to play in lesser known Football leagues around the world.
In Bulgaria, at the recent Cup final between Levski Sofia and Slavia Sofia, there were a few familiar faces that have graced UK television screens over the past few years.
It was clear to see why the all-blue Levski Sofia were favourites when, within the first 10 minutes, ex-Wigan and Swansea player Jordi Gomez grafted hard to find space for a shot, which was handled in the box by a Slavia defender.
Immediately as the penalty was given, Gomez - undoubtedly one of the stars of the team - grabbed the ball to claim the responsibility to take it. However, the set-piece specialist failed to convert the penalty with the goalkeeper comfortably saving to his low right-hand side. In Bulgaria, gestures are a little different; nodding your head means no, and shaking it means yes - which can cause confusion to foreigners. The sight of fans with heads in their hands is, however, a universal symbol. Gomez further frustrated the fans when he fluffed his lines once again after having been delivered a promising cross from the right and completely missing the ball on the edge of the six-yard box.
Nonetheless, Gomez played himself back into the game, with his usual flair and neat touches, by creating chances out of nothing.
Excellent service by Gomez enabled another former Wigan player and Manchester United high-flyer, Gabriel Obertan, to unleash his pace and get to the byline to cross the ball nearly every time. A free kick won by Obertan was within whiskers of the post thanks to Gomez's curling ball. The duo are some of the few international stars on display as Bulgaria has limited attraction for European stars as well as strict rules on how many non-EU international players a team can have in a matchday squad.
Although one of the lesser known European leagues, the style of play is suited to former players who played in England, with a fair amount of creativity and space to play, but lacking the speed and urgency of the premier league; yet, it has the same - if not more - playacting and remonstrating with referees.
Even with the space and creativity utilised by Obertan and Gomez, former Sheffield Wednesday number 9 Sergiu Bus just couldn't get it over the line for Levski.
The dominant team couldn't break down the Slavia defence with their backs to the walls - even with Levski playing with four attackers at the end and Slavia Sofia essentially camped in their own half. Late in the second half, Slavia’s goalkeeper made a great save to prevent Obertan's snapshot from 20 yards creeping into the bottom right corner.
At the other end, Slavia could've and should've done better but were constantly let down by their lacklustre counter attack. However, the minnows deserved credit for holding onto 0-0 through extra time for penalties.
Most of the estimated 35,000 in attendance (of which at least 30,000 were Levski fans), were silenced when Slavia edged it on penalties to beat the 25-time winners of the cup 4-2 on penalties.
Gomez was subbed before penalties and Obertan didn’t get the chance to take the 5th.
Gomez knows what it feels like to be part of an underdog victory in the cup with Wigan in 2013, but Levski couldn’t make it cup number 26 this year.
Slavia now qualifies for the Europa League and Levski Sofia will also playing in the Europa League next season, as they won the battle of the Europa League play-off.
Perhaps more ex-premier league stars will be encouraged to spend their final few years in far flung places as Gomez and Obertan clearly enjoy the 24/7 hype around them in Bulgaria.
