Ricky Villa and Ossie Ardiles signed Spurs print - The Tremendous Two

Ricky Villa signed for Tottenham after Argentina's triumph in the 1978 World Cup and the hirsute midfielder was an instant hit with the White Hart Lane faithful after scoring on his debut for the club in an old First Division clash with Nottingham Forest. Tall, elegant and talented, Villa graced the Spurs midfield in a total of 133 league games but it was in the FA Cup that he earned himself a place in Tottenham folklore with arguably the greatest goal in the history of the competition. The year was 1981 and Spurs were facing an FA Cup final replay against Manchester City at Wembley after the two sides had drawn 1-1. Villa had been substituted in the first game and had made little effort to hide his disgust at the decision as he trudged towards the dressing room. Tottenham boss Keith Burkinshaw decided to overlook the Argentinean's outburst and Villa was in the starting line-up for the replay. The midfielder was determined to repay his manager's faith in spectacular style. The game was agonisingly balanced at 2-2 late in the second-half when Villa collected the ball on the edge of the City box but rather than pass, he embarked on a jinking, incisive foray into the area, beating three defenders on the way before slipping the ball past goalkeeper Joe Corrigan. Spurs were the winners and Villa had etched his name into FA Cup history. One of the most popular players in Spurs' history, Ossie Ardiles epitomised the club's free-flowing football philosophy and in his 10 seasons in north London, the Argentinean midfielder became a cult figure who was worshipped by the White Hart Lane faithful. Signed in the wake of Argentina's 1978 World cup final triumph over Holland, the diminutive playmaker caused a huge stir on his arrival in the UK with international team-mate Ricky Villa and his performances on the pitch quickly confirmed that the hype was more than justified. A skilful player brimming with vision, Ardiles adapted to English football with ease and his partnership with Glenn Hoddle in the heart of the Tottenham midfield made the team into a real force and the trophies followed. The Argentinean was part of both the 1981 and 1982 FA Cup-winning sides under Keith Burkinshaw's astute management and although the outbreak of the Falklands War forced him into a temporary exile with Paris Saint Germain in France, he returned to White Hart Lane to help the side lift the 1984 Uefa Cup. His playing days with the club came to an end in 1988 and although he endured an ill-fated season as Spurs manager in the early 1990s, he remains one of Tottenham's favourite sons. Own a piece of sporting history Ricky Villa and Osvaldo Ardiles helped Spurs win back-to-back FA Cup finals in 1981 and 1982 but they both spent many years thrilling fans at White Hart Lane with their brilliant displays. This print features both Argentinian internationals in action for Tottenham and is personally hand-signed by both stars. This item is an outstanding piece of football memorabilia. The print comes with a certificate of authenticity.