Footballer Fernando ‘Lazarus’ LaFuente reunited with mum for Christmas

THE Spanish footballer falsely declared dead last month has been reunited with his mum for Christmas — who took him straight to the hospital to make sure he was really OK.

Fernando ‘Lazarus’ LaFuente made headlines across the globe in November after Ballybrack FC in south Dublin claimed he had died — to get a Leinster Senior League clash postponed.

League officials cancelled the game with other clubs asked to wear black armbands as a mark of respect for the Spaniard’s ‘passing’.

However, it soon emerged that Fernando was alive and kicking in Co Galway, where he had moved some weeks before to take up a new work role.

News of the lie soon became a global sensation, with Fernando forced to call his family and assure them he was in perfect health.

The Spanish IT worker has since been reunited with his family in Spain for Christmas, with his concerned mother Amparo taking him straight for medical checks.

Speaking on Paddy Power’s Christmas Cracker sports show, Fernando said: “She took me first to the dentist and then to the hospital.

“Everything was OK. I tried to tell her I was fine but she wanted to see it with her own eyes.

“My mam works in the town hall here in Spain and many of her friends came to my house to see me and speak with me over the past few days.

“We’re going to have a big party tomorrow night (Christmas Eve) and about 30 members of my family will gather together.”

The Spaniard’s mam even bought him a hot water bottle to bring back to Ireland to make sure he keeps warm.

Paddy Power’s Christmas Cracker sports preview show went live on their Facebook page this evening.

It looks ahead to the busy festive period with commentary from jockey Ruby Walsh and former footie stars Neil Ruddock and Jason McAteer.