Brazilian World Cup winner Juninho rolled back the years to score a penalty as Middlesbrough legends beat an opposition XI 8-7 in a sold-out 150th anniversary legacy game at Riverside Stadium on Thursday.
The 53-year-old star boy, who enjoyed three spells with the Championship outfit, slotted home from the spot to send the faithful wild during his final appearance on his former stomping ground.
Former team-mate Fabrizio Ravanelli, 57, watched enviously from the sidelines after being unable to play through injury.
Ravanelli told Sun Sport: "It was very lucky for Juninho that I wasn't on the pitch or I'd have taken the penalty."
The Italian, nicknamed White Feather, scored 31 times during the rollercoaster 1996/97 season that ended in relegation but saw the duo reach both domestic cup finals.
Juninho said: "I think that'll be the last time I score. When you get over 50 it's not easy to play football. But I hope to be back here at the end of the season to commemorate the team's promotion."
The pint-sized magician famously claimed lifting the League Cup in 2004 meant more than winning the World Cup with Brazil two years earlier.
He added: "When I first stepped foot on Teesside, I was so very welcomed by the people. It makes it special for me. When I say that I feel at home here, I am not joking."
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala is whether Juninho remains the greatest import in English football history given his three separate spells and that League Cup triumph.
Match facts
- Competition: Middlesbrough 150th anniversary legacy game
- Venue: Riverside Stadium
- Result: Middlesbrough Legends 8-7 Opposition XI
- Juninho goal: Penalty
- Attendance: Sold-out crowd
- Notable absentee: Fabrizio Ravanelli (injury)
Source: The Sun
