Former Premier League star’s FA Cup dream comes to an end after he came out of retirement at 35 to play for minnows

NON-league side Harborough Town’s FA Cup dream is over – after they were beaten by Reading 5-3 in the second round.

And that also means a Tottenham favourite’s chance at a cup run is over too.

A veteran midfielder saw his FA Cup dream with Harborough Town endRex

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Brave Harborough Town lost in extra time against Reading in the second round[/caption]

PA

Former Tottenham favourite Sandro poses with Harborough Town fans in the stands[/caption]

The Leicestershire side produced a giant-killing in the first round when they ran out 4-1 winners over Tonbridge Angels.

However, their luck ran out at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

They were in dreamland when they took the lead after 18 minutes, and went 2-1 up after 21 minutes were played.

Incredibly, they forced extra-time in the 86th minute to make it 3-3.

Despite their brave display, two goals in extra time meant they were finally beaten 5-3 after the extra 30 minutes was played.

While they may have been disappointed, one player looked proud of his team’s performance.

In fact, the 17-cap Brazil international even took time to pose with fans in the stands after the final whistle.

Veteran midfielder Sandro, 35, lasted 46 minutes until he was replaced.

Sadly for him, his chances of an FA Cup reunion against his former side are over – with Harborough’s exit.

Sandro retired from football in September 2023 at the age of 34 after a career that also saw him star for West Brom, QPR, Udinese, Genoa, and Internacional.

However, at the turn of November he dusted off his boots and signed for Harborough Town – much to the delight of manager Mitch Austin.

“What an unbelievable signing for the club, I really cannot express how I am feeling,” Austin said at the time.

“I had a chance conversation with Sandro a couple of weeks ago and we got talking about football, told him about Harborough Town FC and the journey we are on and he has been messaging me ever since to sign on, totally unbelievable and gobsmacked is how I would describe this signing.

“These sort of signings don’t happen every day but when you get a chance to sign an ex-professional footballer who has played at the highest level in the Premier League and Internationally with Brazil, you just cannot turn it down.”

Sandro starred for Spurs between 2010 and 2014, making 106 appearances and scoring three goals.

While he also played with Neymar, Ronaldinho, Thiago Silva, Dani Alves, and Marcelo for his country.