Former Arsenal fan favourite receives surprising international call-up | OneFootball

Former Arsenal fullback Hector Bellerin has received a call-up to represent Catalonia in an international friendly against Panama.

The 29-year-old, who last played internationally for Spain three years ago, will join notable names like Manchester City’s Sergio Gomez in the Catalan squad.

SEVILLE, SPAIN – DECEMBER 21: Hector Bellerin of Real Betis warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Betis and Girona FC at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 21, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Hector Bellerin, who played 239 times for Arsenal, has been unexpectedly selected to represent Catalonia in an international friendly against Panama next Wednesday. This will be Bellerin‘s first cap for Catalonia, despite previously playing for the Spanish national team.

They are also scheduled to play Mali in June.

Although Catalonia is not officially recognised by FIFA, they can field players eligible for the Spanish national team. Bellerin will join others like Manchester City’s Sergio Gomez and former Barcelona player Eric Garcia in the squad.

Real Betis’ Spanish defender #02 Hector Bellerin vies with Atletico Madrid’s Brazilian forward #12 Samuel Lino during the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Betis at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on March 3, 2024. (Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images)

Bellerin‘s international career began with Spain in 2016, earning four caps before his last appearance in 2020. Now, he has the opportunity to revive his international career with Catalonia.