A former Spanish international who once scored a goal inside three minutes of a Champions League final is backing Stevenage in their play-off fight today.

Ex-Valencia midfielder, Gaizka Mendieta, who played in consecutive Champions League finals for the club in 2000 and 2001 – scoring a penalty against German giants Bayern Munich in the latter contest – spoke exclusively to the Comet at the Biggleswade United FC awards night on Thursday.

Mendieta, who also played a season for one of the world’s biggest football clubs, Barcelona, as well as Italian powerhouse Lazio, said: “Through my friend and Sky Sports colleague Guillem Balague, who is director of football at Biggleswade United, I am aware of football in this area.

“I know Stevenage are a very competitive team and I wish them good luck in the play-offs against Southend United.

“Hopefully they can get through over the two legs against Southend, to get to the final at Wembley – and win that football match too.

“It would be great to see Stevenage back in League One.”

Mendieta, who, through the Comet, also backed Hitchin Town’s ultimately successful fight to stay at Top Field, added: “I am very pleased Hitchin Town are able to stay at their home of Top Field. I am very interested in football in this region, and of course Biggleswade Uninted too.”

Hitchin resident and Bigglewade United director of football Guillem Balague explained; “Biggleswade United are only a small club, but we have big ambitions.

“It’s great to have the support of Gaizka Mendieta, as well as former Espanyol and Chelsea midfielder, Enrique DeLucas, who plays for us, at our awards night.

“I care about football in this area and wish Stevenage good luck in the play-offs.

“We have big plans for Biggleswade United – but we also have good relations with bigger teams around here, and any Stevenage or Hitchin Town fans who are interested in visiting a new ground in Second Meadow will receive a warm welcome next season!”

Attacking midfielder Enrique DeLucas, who made 31 first team appearances for Chelsea, was the last player signed at Stamford Bridge before oligarch Roman Abramovich arrived to fund the club’s transformation into Champions League winners, added: “I’m pleased to be part of this exciting project here at Biggleswade – but I also wish Stevenage good luck in the play-offs.”

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