Former Premier League star looks unrecognisable as he stars at Masters Football

A former Premier League star has shocked fans with his appearance after images of him at recent event went viral on social media.

The Champions League winner appeared at Masters Football earlier this week to represent Rangers, a club he made 50 appearances for in all competitions between between 2008 and 2009.

During his time at Ibrox the 45-year-old won the Scottish Premier League during Walter Smith’s time at the club, before departing back to his native Portugal the following season.

The player in question is former Portsmouth and Tottenham midfielder Pedro Mendes.

More than a decade after hanging up his boots Mendes has trimmed his trademark long hair, and began sporting a beard. 

After starting his career at Vitoria de Guimaraes before being signed by a young Porto manager named Jose Mourinho in the summer of 2003.

Former Spurs and Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes appeared unrecognisable during a recent appearance on Masters Football

Mendes made 88 Premier League appearances for the two clubs between 2004 and 2008

45-year-old was also part of Jose Mourinho’s Porto side that won the 2004 Champions League

In his sole season at the Estadio do Dragao Mendes was part of the side that defeated Monaco to lift the Champions League, whilst also cruising to victory in the Primeira Liga.

Mendes’ form led to interest from several clubs across Europe, but it was Tottenham that ultimately secured his signature.

During his time in north London Mendes famously scored a phantom goal against Manchester United, when his effort was mishandled by Roy Carroll and crossed the line only for referee Mark Clattenburg not to award it. 

He would then move on to Portsmouth under Harry Redknapp where he spent four seasons, making 58 Premier League appearances and scoring five goals.

From there he would move on to Rangers subsequently Sporting Lisbon before ending his career back at boyhood club Vitoria in 2012.

Mendes also earned 11 senior international caps for Portugal between 2002 and 2010, and was part of the squad that the last 16 of the World Cup in South Africa before being knocked out by eventual winners Spain.