Euro 2012 files: Blasts from the past

Thursday 31 May 2012 14:41 BST

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Euro 2012 kicks-off in just a matter of days and in anticipation The Independent is running down the key factors and people to keep an eye on in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

From free-kick takers to hot-heads, golden boot contenders to the celebs, we'll have it all covered before things kick-off in Warsaw.

Here, we bring you the blasts from the past taking part at Euro 2012. These are the players who might look rather familiar, which is because they once were, but over the years have either moved abroad or down the leagues and have slipped off the radar.

Click here or click 'VIEW GALLERY' to launch our guide.

Other Euro 2012 files...

Notable absentees

The youngsters

The hotheads and divers

The galacticos

The tricksters and dribblers

The wives, girlfriends and famous faces

The top managers

The deadliest free-kick takers

The golden boot contenders

The meanest defenders