Eto’o was first choice: Racing Murcia sign Ex-Man City defender Lescott for one match

Spanish fourth division side Racing Murcia FC have completed the hoped-for PR coup ahead of the Copa del Rey first round match against LaLiga side Levante. The club from the southeast of Spain announced on Friday that they had signed former England international Joleon Lescott for the game on December 16. The 38-year-old centre-back, who originally hung up his boots in 2017, is returning from retirement for the game.

Lescott, who once played for Wolverhampton, Everton, Manchester City, West Brom, Aston Villa, AEK Athens and Sunderland, is set to attract worldwide attention to the Spanish club, which was founded only seven years ago. Italian club owner Morris Pagniello, who is also the owner of player consulting agency Superior Squad Sports Management, had initially approached former world-class striker Samuel Eto’o with a request to feature in the match.

“I would say that our chances of signing Samuel Eto’o are currently 50-50,” Pagniello told Radio Marca last week. “Next week we will know if it works. If we succeed, he will be on the team and our coach will integrate him into the team. If not, we have prepared a plan B.” This second plan seems to have become reality now after the signing of Lescott. The deal is made possible by investors from Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.

Racing Murcia wanted to hold the Copa del Rey game in Dubai

Previously, Pagniello, who in addition to his activities as a club owner and agent also represents the International School of Soccer in Genoa, had already tried to have the game moved to Dubai in the UAE. “I signed an agreement to promote the sport in the Emirates and I thought this would also be a good opportunity for Spanish football.” However, the Spanish association refused to host the game in another country. Because of the regulations, it will not be possible,” Pagniello told La Verdad. At least, the game will be broadcasted nationwide on television.

Racing Murcia plan big for the next few years and have signed some experienced players ahead of the season, including striker Mathias Pogba, brother of Manchester United’s record signing Paul. Promotion to the third division is the declared target.