Former Arsenal fullback Hector Bellerin has received a call-up to represent Catalonia in an international friendly against Panama.

The 29-year-old, who last played internationally for Spain three years ago, will join notable names like Manchester City’s Sergio Gomez in the Catalan squad.

SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 21: Hector Bellerin of Real Betis warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Betis and Girona FC at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 21, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN – DECEMBER 21: Hector Bellerin of Real Betis warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Betis and Girona FC at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 21, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Hector Bellerin, who played 239 times for Arsenal, has been unexpectedly selected to represent Catalonia in an international friendly against Panama next Wednesday. This will be Bellerin‘s first cap for Catalonia, despite previously playing for the Spanish national team.

They are also scheduled to play Mali in June.

Although Catalonia is not officially recognised by FIFA, they can field players eligible for the Spanish national team. Bellerin will join others like Manchester City’s Sergio Gomez and former Barcelona player Eric Garcia in the squad.

Real Betis' Spanish defender #02 Hector Bellerin vies with Atletico Madrid's Brazilian forward #12 Samuel Lino during the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Betis at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on March 3, 2024. (Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Betis’ Spanish defender #02 Hector Bellerin vies with Atletico Madrid’s Brazilian forward #12 Samuel Lino during the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Betis at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on March 3, 2024. (Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images)

Bellerin‘s international career began with Spain in 2016, earning four caps before his last appearance in 2020. Now, he has the opportunity to revive his international career with Catalonia.

His football journey started at Barcelona before joining Arsenal in 2011, where he won three FA Cups, two FA Community Shields, and a Copa del Rey during a loan spell with Real Betis. After brief stints at Barcelona and Sporting, Bellerin returned to Betis.

Catalonia, whose squad has previously included legends like Cesc Fabregas, Pep Guardiola, Xavi, and Gerard Pique, last played a friendly against Jamaica in 2022, winning 6-0.