Troy Parrott’s dramatic injury-time winner against Hungary has instantly etched his name into Republic of Ireland football folklore, a moment he describes as life-changing and emotionally overwhelming. In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, the 23-year-old striker revealed he has rewatched the goal countless times, admitting it moved him to tears for the first time in years—a cathartic release of joy for a nation that has endured recent disappointments. Parrott, who also scored a crucial double against Portugal just days earlier, struggles to fathom the perfect alignment of events, calling the unforgettable week „written” and a long-overdue turn of good karma for Irish football.
The victory in Budapest has sparked nationwide euphoria, with social media flooded by celebrations and even Dublin Airport humorously rebranding itself in his honor. Parrott, deeply moved by the outpouring of support, praised the unique passion of Irish fans, stating that contributing to „the best night” of people’s lives is a privilege he will carry forever. Despite the sudden fame, the AZ Alkmaar forward remains grounded, acknowledging the surreal nature of the achievement and its lasting significance for both his career and national pride.
This historic goal joins an iconic lineage of Irish football moments, standing alongside Ray Houghton’s 1994 World Cup strike and Robbie Brady’s Euro 2016 winner. Parrott’s hat-trick heroics have not only secured a vital World Cup qualifying play-off spot but also rekindled a sense of belief and unity across the country. As the squad prepares for March’s decisive matches, Parrott’s indelible contribution has already cemented his status as a new Irish legend, with the promise of even greater milestones—and perhaps that World Cup tattoo—on the horizon.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.
Forrás: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c8x10lrp8kgo.