Arsenal Champions League Final Star Looks Unrecognisable With Bushy Beard As He ‘reconnects With Nature’ On Hike

THIS ARSENAL Champions League finalist looks unrecognisable with a bushy beard as he enjoyed a hike near his hometown.

The former Gooner was joined by friends in the sunshine as he worked on his fitness.

InstagramThe former Arsenal star reconnected with nature on a hike[/caption]

Instagram He played for the Gunners in the 2006 Champions League final[/caption]

InstagramThe Spaniard also played for Watford and West Ham[/caption]

The star in question made 175 appearances for Arsenal between 2004-2012.

He began his career in Spain but also played for West Ham and Watford in England.

The goalkeeper returned to his native country and soaked up the sunshine on his hike, sharing some snaps of his adventure on Instagram.

He captioned the post: “Reconnecting with nature.”

The 46-year-old hung up his gloves in 2014 on medical advice, after a rare heart condition was picked up during a medical with Serie A side Cagliari.

But perhaps the proudest moment of his career came eight years prior when he featured as a substitute in the Champions League final for Arsenal.

The player in question is of course Manuel Almunia, who replaced Robert Pires in the 18th minute following Jens Lehmann’s red card.

Arsenal lost to Barcelona 2-1, having taken the lead through Sol Campbell’s header.

Almunia now works as a goalkeeping coach for UAE Pro League club Al Jazira Club, a role he has had since 2016.

The Spaniard was part of Arsenal’s 2005 FA Cup winning side and twice finished as a League Cup runner-up – in 2007 and 2011.

Instagram @manuelalmunia77Manuel Almunia is now goalkeeper coach at Al Jazira Club in the UAE[/caption]

GettyThe goalkeeper helped Arsenal win the FA Cup in 2005[/caption]

He made 175 appearances for the GunnersGetty – Contributor

Arsenal Champions League final star looks unrecognisable with bushy beard as he ‘reconnects with nature’ on hike