Gera: We’re aiming to stop the traffic again

HUNGARY’S exploits in Euro 2016 have already brought Budapest to a standstill. It has been many years since the Magyars delivered football to inspire their fans and stir memories of past glories, when Ferenc Puskas led them to a World Cup final.

Bernd Storck’s team, however, have fired the imagination. Hungary’s fans are a force in France and former West Bromwich midfielder Zoltan Gera insists it does not have to end today. ‘We have waited 44 years to get to the Euros again and the whole country is going absolutely crazy.

‘After the Portugal game they had to stop Budapest buses because the streets were full of people celebrating. It is easy to become emotional when you see what it means to the people.

‘We’ve already done better than everyone expected but we want to go as far as possible.’

After winning their group, Hungary face Belgium in Toulouse with an eye on the quarter-finals — and with players hoping to catch the attention of English clubs.

‘I had a fantastic experience in England and I’m sure others will go to the Premier League because of how they’ve played here.

‘There’s not a lot of money in Hungarian football, so when players have a chance to go abroad they make everything count. They want it more.’

Albion bought Gera for £1.5million from Ferencvaros in 2004 and he returned to The Hawthorns in 2011 after three years at Fulham.

At 37, he is back at Ferencvaros and remains influential for Hungary as a deep midfield playmaker. He will win his 92nd cap today.

‘There’s no secret, no special exercises or routines,’ said Gera. ‘I love playing football and that keeps me young.

‘I’ve always been careful with what I eat and make sure I train properly. It isn’t a sacrifice.’