Patrick O'Connell's life story takes some telling.
A footballer whose talent took him from Ireland to England and the Manchester United captaincy. A man who was embroiled in one of football's biggest betting scandals and who left his wife and children for a second life in Spain. A manager who is regarded as the saviour of Barcelona and who took Real Betis to their sole La Liga title.
With Betis and United meeting for the first time in a competitive fixture this week, O'Connell's tale is a timely one. He's revered in Spain. Indeed travelling United fans heading to the Benito Villamarín Stadium for the second leg of the Europa League tie next week will be able to see a bust honouring the Irishman outside the stadium.
