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Hungary legend Gabor Kiraly powered by superstitions – and not just his famous trackies

Veteran stopper has to have everything right, from listening to Bon Jovi to putting his shin pads on the right way

Kiraly is the oldest player ever to appear at a European Championships

HUNGARY have been one of the surprises of Euro 2016 after qualifying for the last 16 with a game to spare.

The unfancied nation topped Group E ahead of Iceland and Portugal, with Gabor Kiraly playing a big part in their success.

 Hungary stopper Gabor Kiraly is known for his trademark grey trackies
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Hungary stopper Gabor Kiraly is known for his trademark grey trackiesCredit: Getty Images
 Kiraly conceded three times against Portugal but still topped group with draw
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Kiraly conceded three times against Portugal but still topped group with drawCredit: Getty Images

The former Crystal Palace keeper in the oldest player in Euros history at 40 years old.

And the secret to Kiraly's continued form is a list of superstitions that he strictly sticks to before every match.

He famously always wears a set of cheap grey tracksuit bottoms whether playing in soaring heat or pouring rain.

And it goes deeper than that. Kiraly listens to Bon Jovi religiously to get himself in the mood and reportedly puts his left shin pad on first.

Under his goalkeeping top, the long-serving international wears a black T-shirt with a tiger on it and a black basketball jersey with his lucky number, 13.

These items are carefully packed in his hand luggage when he travels to avoid losing them.

In another touching move, Kiraly has donned Martin Fullop's gloves for the tournament.

 Kiraly is the oldest player ever to appear at a European Championships
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Kiraly is the oldest player ever to appear at a European ChampionshipsCredit: Getty Images
 Canadian TV pundits get behind the stopper by donning his famous gear
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Canadian TV pundits get behind the stopper by donning his famous gearCredit: BBC
 Kiraly - who spent time in England - is a big fan of classic Mini Coopers
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Kiraly - who spent time in England - is a big fan of classic Mini CoopersCredit: Alamy
 And Hungary stopper also admires rock star Bon Jovi
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And Hungary stopper also admires rock star Bon JoviCredit: Getty Images - WireImage

The ex-Tottenham, Sunderland and Manchester City stopper tragically passed way from cancer last year aged just 23.

And if you needed any more reasons to back the Hungarians in the next round, Kiraly loves driving Mini Cooper's and has his own range of clothing.

Unfortunately the gear is only available in Hungary, Germany, Italy and Finland.

 

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