Shocking: "I called an Uber, but the driver was an EPL star" — West Ham striker who disappeared for 13 years discovered by influencer: "I was stunned"

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Ugo Porfirio (53), who previously played in the English Premier League (EPL) and represented the Portugal national team, has transformed into an Uber driver.

The British media outlet "The Sun" reported on the 16th (Korean time) that "former EPL star Porfirio is working as an Uber driver in Lisbon, Portugal, his hometown."

The outlet noted that "his unexpected second act in life, after once leaving a significant mark with the Portuguese national football team, has captured public attention."

According to the media, influencer Andre Ramalho called an Uber earlier this month and discovered Porfirio sitting in the driver's seat. Ramalho posted on his social media (SNS), "I was late and tired, so I called an Uber, but I was stunned when I saw the driver. A player who had competed alongside legendary stars like Luis Costa, Luis Figo, and Vitor Baia at Euro 1996 was engaged in an ordinary livelihood."

Ramalho added, "He is one of the most wonderful and great people ever," and noted, "People usually say footballers are bad drivers, but he drove very well."

The post gained thousands of "likes" and sparked significant buzz. Porfirio's daughter Madalena sent support with a comment reading, "Our dad is a machine."

Porfirio, who played as a winger, was loaned to West Ham for the 1996-1997 season and appeared in 23 first-division matches. He scored a total of four goals against Chelsea, Blackburn, Nottingham Forest, and Wrexham. In early 1999, he was loaned to Nottingham while playing for Benfica, making a total of nine appearances.

Wearing the Portugal national team jersey, he appeared in three A-matches, including Euro 1996. He announced his retirement from professional football in 2008 while with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr. Subsequently, he worked as a scout for Sporting Lisbon before leaving the club 13 years ago. His whereabouts had been completely unknown until now, but his recent activity as an Uber driver revealed his current status unexpectedly.

The outlet reported that "football fans' attention has focused on him, who is quietly living a new life after leaving behind his glamorous professional player career."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original