He may have flopped at Liverpool, but Iago Aspas is about to become immortal at Celta Vigo after their Europa League match against Nice.

The 38-year-old left his lifelong club in 2013 for Anfield and then Sevilla, but returned in 2015 to help them avoid multiple LaLiga relegations and now return to Europe.

On Thursday night they will host Nice on matchday three of the Europa League, but more importantly than that it will be Aspas’ 534th appearance for Celta – a new club record.

He will pass Manolo ‘Gran Capitán’ Rodríguez’s long time record of 533 which he completed in 1982.

Celta have confirmed a special tribute will take place post-match, writing on their website: “At the expense of a single match that will make him the player with the most matches in history and in a bid to pay him the tribute he deserves, Celta will hold a special event next Thursday, October 23rd at the end of the match against OGC Nice.

“At 11:00 p.m., Abanca Balaídos will dress up and light up the sky with an aerial drone show that will serve as a tribute to a lifetime dedicated to this club.

“Celta invites everyone attending this Thursday’s match to be part of this tribute that will last until approximately 11:20 p.m.

“It will be a night to applaud, get excited and give thanks. Because there is no greater pride than being able to say ‘I saw Iago Aspas play’.”

Earlier commenting on the player, Vigo mayor Abel Caballero added that he’s planning a statue.

“I will be mayor of Vigo for many years, and I can guarantee it,” he said.

“We will pay Iago Aspas the tribute he deserves in Vigo.

“In Manchester, there was an effigy of Bobby Charlton in front of the pitch. When I was a child, he was the greatest football genius in the world. The same will happen here with Iago Aspas.

“You managed to get us through thanks to your strength, your tenacity, and your quality. You are incomparable. You are the best player in the history of Celta.”