With a career spanning two spells at Stoke City, Jose Luis Mato Sanmartin, better known as Joselu, became a UEFA Champions League champion with Real Madrid in the 2023/2024 season.
He made significant contributions to the team throughout the season to clinch the prestigious European club championship.
The Story Between Joselu and The Potters
Joselu was with Stoke City in the 2015/2016 season, having a stint with The Potters when they were still competing in the Premier League. After that season, Joselu was loaned to Deportivo de la Coruña in Spain, and upon his return to Stoke City, he was later sold to Newcastle.
During the 2015/2016 season, the player was 26 years old, appearing in 27 matches for The Potters, scoring 4 goals, and providing 3 assists while wearing the Stoke City FC colors.
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He accumulated 1394 minutes with Stoke City, where his tenure was significant but ultimately short-lived, leaving much to be desired for a striker of his caliber. The Spanish forward, who is now 34 years old, had a fantastic season in 2023/2024 with Real Madrid.
The Former Stoke City FC Player Shone in the UCL
For Joselu, his season with Real Madrid in the Champions League was very revealing. He played 11 matches, scoring 5 goals, including 2 in the semifinals against Bayern Munich, in a thrilling encounter.
For Stoke City, it has been an honor to have Joselu in the club's history books, where his contribution to The Potters will always be remembered by the fans. However, it's bittersweet knowing that his time at the club was only enjoyed for one season, as fans would have hoped to have him for longer.