Football: Trackpant wearing Gabor Kiraly is the hero Euro 2016 needs

Hungarian goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly (L) in his trademark grey trackpants and oversized green shirt. Photo / Getty Images

Gabor Kiraly, resplendent in his grey trackies, oversized jersey and green socks, is fast becoming a cult hero of Euro 2016.

The veteran Hungarian goalkeeper, who became the oldest player in European Championship history when his side beat Austria 2-0, looks like something from a bygone era.

But it's far from a fashion statement. Comfort comes first and foremost for the 40-year-old.

"I'm a goalie, not a top model!" he told Hungarian publication Lo Journal Francophone de Budapest recently.

"It's essentially a question of comfort.

"I tried shorts during my spells in Germany and England but it didn't suit me. The end result is more important than your look."

Black was originally the colour of trackie choice but it quickly gave way to grey when his club side at the time - Szombathelyi Haladas - went on an unprecedented winning run way back in late 1990s.

The Guardian reports that the original grey pair is still hanging up in his wardrobe.

"Some of my clubs had to ask their manufacturer to make the grey bottoms for me because they did not have it in their collection but at 1860 Munich they were sold in the club shop as Kiraly's jogging bottoms," he said.

"The most important thing is that they should be loose, preferably one size bigger."

His international manager is grateful the veteran is still around.

"He contributed to this victory," Bernd Storck said.

"He was rewarded for all of his hard work over the years.

"He was chosen because he's a great player.

"I've never said I've got old players and good players, I've got players and it doesn't matter how old you are. I think he's one of the best goalkeepers in the world."