Ex-Barcelona Mboula causes frenzy after arriving in Congo

The ex-Barcelona midfielder has been called up by Congo for African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone and received a hero's welcome at Brazzaville airport.

Jordi Mboula, who came through Barcelona's youth academy before joining Monaco for €3m, has been selected by Congo for two African Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Sierra Leone during the international break. Despite being capped by Spain's youth teams at U-17, U-19 and U-21 level, Mboula opted to represent Congo, the country of his roots, after never debuting for Spain's senior side.

The 27-year-old midfielder, currently playing for Greek Super League side Kifisia, received a rapturous welcome when he landed in Brazzaville on Tuesday, with hundreds of supporters gathering at the airport to greet him, take photos and seek mementos from the former Barcelona player. This season Mboula has made 10 appearances for Kifisia, scoring twice and providing one assist, including a goal and assist in a 14-minute cameo against Olympiacos.