28 May 2023 , 09:55
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Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu became the first player in history to go from non-league to the Premier League with the same club following Luton Town's fairytale promotion on Saturday afternoon.
The Hatters, who were playing in the Conference when they snapped up Mpanzu from West Ham back in 2013, edged out Coventry City on penalties at Wembley in the Championship play-off final to cap one of the most remarkable stories in EFL history.
Led by Rob Edwards, Luton have defied the odds after finishing third in the regulation campaign and will rub shoulders with England's elite next term. And Mpanzu, who has experienced all the highs and lows of Luton's remarkable journey, will be there to take it all in.
Mpanzu's remarkable rise garnered plenty of attention in the build-up to the match, which finished 1-1 after extra-time. And the man himself quipped that he was ready to put his feet up after 'completing football' following the Hatters' latest promotion.
Speaking after the final whistle, a delighted Mpanzu told Sky Sports: "I feel like I've completed football, man! I'll retire this summer, I'm done! It's been a journey. I've been through the highs and lows but you've got to believe in yourself and here I am, a Premier League player."
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Mpanzu ended up donning the captain's armband for Luton after skipper Tom Lockyer collapsed in the opening minutes at Wembley with nobody around him. The Wales international was taken to hospital for tests, although the player's father did put fans at ease by sharing a picture of Lockyer celebrating promotion.
Lockyer's health was the primary concern of Luton head coach Edwards, though, who admitted it felt "wrong" to celebrate at the final whistle. Edwards told Sky Sports: "I've got to be honest, the only thing I'm thinking about right now is Tom Lockyer. He's been immense for us this season.
Join the debate! What do you make of Luton Town's promotion to the Premier League? Let us know here.
The Hatters will be in the Premier League next season (NurPhoto via Getty Images)"Health is the most important thing, family's the most important thing. More important than football, more important than this, and all of those things you're talking about are great but I don't care right now until he's alright.
"I know he's alright, I think a few of the guys have spoken to him in hospital - he's getting well looked after. Carlton [Morris] is really close with Locks and the two of them were talking, which is really good, obviously.
"So that's just where my head's at at the moment, and I don't know. It just felt a little bit wrong to celebrate at the time."
He added: "The staff were so good at half-time. They said to the players he was OK. They were able to calm everyone down. I backed that up and it was a case of business and focus and: 'We’re doing it for Locks'. That was the message."