When Rob Green left Leeds United in 2017, not in his wildest dreams would he have thought that just two years later, he will be winning the Europa League with Chelsea.
Despite starting every game for the Whites during the 2016/17 campaign, the shot-stopper decided to make the switch to Huddersfield Town after then-boss Thomas Christiansen demoted him to third choice ‘keeper behind Felix Wiedwald and Andy Lonergan.
Signed as back up for Jonas Lossl, Green failed to make a single appearance for the Terriers before making the surprising switch to Chelsea last summer.
With both Willy Caballero and Kepa Arrizabalaga ahead of him in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, the 39-year-old was forced to watch on for the entirety of the 2018/19 campaign as the Blues reached the final of the Europa League.
In what turned out to be a one-sided affair against Arsenal in Baku last night, a brace from Eden Hazard combined with goals from Olivier Giroud and Pedro allowed Chelsea to secure a 4-1 victory over their London rivals.
In jubilant spirit after ending his season on a high, Green took the opportunity to celebrate his first ever major honour as a player by lifting the trophy in an enthusiastic manner despite having not featured in any of the Blues’ games in the competition.
Reacting to the former England international’s surprising appearance on the pitch, loads of Leeds fans took to Twitter to display their astonishment.
Honestly one thing I never thought I’d see rob green do after leaving leeds was lift the Europa Leauge trophy #EuropaLeagueFinal2019 #lufc
— Jamie Kirk (@jamiekirk1990) May 30, 2019
Gotta love Rob Green full kit celebration when he wasn’t even on the bench lol #lufc https://t.co/1OEFtxLAVj
— Dave in Leeds (@Davehaymot) May 30, 2019
Robert Green – Europe League winner 2019 #LUFC
— Asbjørn Perry Sve (@PerrySve) May 29, 2019
Rob Green lifting the Europa League trophy has me in stitches for some reason. #LUFC
— Austin (@AustinLDN86) May 29, 2019
Rob Green, Europa League Winner 2019 whos have thought it. #lufc
— TH (@T70Hall) May 29, 2019
They did it for Rob Green #CFC #UELfinal #EuropaLeagueFinal2019 #LUFC
— YWAC (@YEBOAHHHHHH) May 29, 2019
As if Rob Green has a UEFA Cup Winners medal #lufc
— Danny Chappell (@danmc444) May 29, 2019
Leeds United’s big Rob Green lifting the Europa League trophy. And just like that, the Leeds curse was lifted. #lufc
— Sam (@SJJLeeds) May 29, 2019
Considering the fact that Green’s current deal at Chelsea is set to expire next month (via Transfermarkt), he may see this triumph as the perfect way to bring an end to what has been a successful career.
