Ex-Spurs stars toast Argentina’s big day in Barley pub

Two of England’s biggest Argentinian footballing imports have toasted their nationwide independence day in an English village pub.

Soccer legends Ossie Ardiles and Ricardo Villa have been visitors of honour on the Fox and Hounds in Barley, Hertfordshire on Saturday, and even managed to catch the FA Cup Ultimate on an enormous display screen within the backyard.

Pub proprietor Graham Smith-Bernal is a buddy of the previous Tottenham and Argentina stars – each now 71 – and his spouse is from South America.

Ardiles additionally paid tribute to Villa’s successful 1981 FA Cup aim, including: “We’re completely delighted to be right here.”

Ardiles, who lives in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, and Villa, who lives in Argentina and is visiting England, have been joined on the occasion by former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ledley King.

They answered punters’ questions on soccer after watching Manchester United beat Manchester Metropolis at Wembley on a tv display screen within the pub backyard.

Villa scored one of the vital well-known objectives in Wembley historical past when Spurs beat Manchester Metropolis within the 1981 FA Cup Ultimate replay in opposition to Manchester Metropolis – Ardiles was additionally within the facet.

Ardiles and Villa each received the World Cup with Argentina in 1978.

Mr Smith-Bernal, 66, who additionally owns the Newsells Park Stud close to Royston, stated he had bought to know many former Spurs gamers by way of horse racing and supporting the membership.

He stated “loads” of former Tottenham “legends” have been concerned with the stud and drank within the pub.

“Could 25 is a special occasion in Argentina,” Mr Bernal-Smith stated. His spouse Marcela is Bolivian.

“I do know Ossie and I knew Ricky was over right here,” he stated.

“We’ve got the FA Cup. We thought, why not have Argentinian meats and sausages – after which a wine tasting and have a good time Could 25.”

Ardiles stated: “We have been completely delighted to be right here. It is a pretty, pretty Argentinian barbecue. Argentinian wine.

“All of the individuals who help Spurs might be very pleased to see Ricky Villa right here.

“He scored a beautiful, fantastic aim.

“The most effective aim of the century they are saying, in Wembley, after we beat Manchester Metropolis 3-2.

“Ricky scored the successful aim.”

Villa stated: “It was a distinct aim – a South American aim.

“As quickly as I handed one, then one other, the aim was getting nearer.

“This aim modified my life.”