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.

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Despite not being recognised as an official team by Fifa - and therefore not included in their world 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 earn his first cap for Gerard Lopez's side.

Bellerin will join forces with notable stars such as Manchester City’s Sergio Gomez, as well as ex-City and Barcelona ace Eric Garcia.

His Real Betis team-mates Aitor Ruibal, Marc Roca, and Sergio Altimira, as Catalonia on Thursday.

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Bellerin played four times for Spain after making his debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2016.

His last appearance in Spain’s red and yellow was in 2020, but 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.

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

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

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Among the victors were Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella 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.