Former Premier League star SKIPS the birth of his first child to play a match – despite having permission to be at his partner’s side – and scores the winner!
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A former Premier League star missed the birth of his daughter in Spain because he had a much more important life moment – scoring in an unimportant league match.
Villarreal striker Alexander Sorloth ended the birth of baby Emma to score a 92nd-minute winner against Almeria.
The Norwegian marksman had been given special dispensation by Villarreal to miss the match and cherish one of the most special moments of his shared life with partner Lena Selnes.
But 28-year-old Sorloth knew where his priorities lay and scored the winner in a 2-1 victory away from home, allowing Villarreal to retain their ninth place in LaLiga.
To top it all off, he threw a crib party and sucked his thumb in tribute to his newborn baby, who no doubt understood and appreciated him as a tribute.
Alexander Sorloth missed the birth of his daughter from Lena Selnes to play a football match
The Villarreal striker missed the birth of his daughter and scored a winner in the 92nd minute
Sorloth used to play for Crystal Palace, but scored just one goal in 20 games for them
You can’t question his dedication to the cause.
He should be known to some fans in England as he made 20 appearances for Crystal Palace between 2018 and 2020, although he only scored one goal for them.
Signing for £9m on deadline day from Danish side FC Midtjylland, things did not go to plan at Selhurst Park but he is flourishing in Spain.
Sorloth now has eighteen goals for this season, even though Villarreal have been out of trouble. Palace fans wish they could have him back.
With his 15 goals in LaLiga, he is just three goals away from top scorer Artem Dobvyk of Girona and may be hoping he can make a late charge for the Trofeo Pichichi, awarded to the top scorer.
As quirky as his story sounds, he is not the first player to miss his first moments of fatherhood to soak up his football sense.
Marius Hoibraten, who plays for Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds, missed the birth of his son to attend the Club World Cup in December.
Ultimately it was a disastrous decision as he scored an own goal against Manchester City, who defeated them 3–0 in the semi-final. However, he was still able to witness the birth of the fruit of his loins via FaceTime.
Sorloth has scored eighteen goals in all competitions this season, but Villarreal are mid-table
Other footballers have made the opposite decision.
Xabi Alonso missed a Champions League quarter-final for Liverpool in 2008 because he was present at the birth, causing a falling out with manager Rafa Benitez.
Meanwhile, Fabian Delph flew home from the 2018 World Cup and missed England’s 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over Colombia in the last 16 to be with his wife, as his wife, Natalie, was then having their third daughter.
He was, of course, watching the nerve-wracking last-16 clash on television in Great Britain.
He wrote at the time: ‘I have just experienced the most amazing 24 hours.
“Watching my brothers endure a tough match both mentally and physically, I kicked every ball and felt every bit of emotion from the players, staff and fans.
“At 7:52 am, my wife and two beautiful daughters welcomed their sister into the world. I can’t put into words the happiness and gratitude I feel… Now back to Russia #TunnelVision.”