A YOUNG Manchester City fan had all his dreams come true when he was chosen to be a team mascot at the derby match on Sunday.
Eleven-year-old Finlay McDonell and his dad, Matt, from Great Sankey, had travelled to the Etihad that day to watch what would be Finley’s first derby match as City beat Manchester United 6-3.
Full of anticipation, they got to the ground ‘super early’ in hope they may see the team bus arriving and see the players in person.
With Finlay dressed in full kit, the pair were suddenly approached by a member of staff from the ground who asked if Finlay and his dad would take part in a live quiz on the pitch to win the chance to become mascot.
Finlay’s mum, Victoria, said: “Finlay and his dad were invited up on stage with the live compere and several other kids with their parents and took part in a head-to-head quiz in front of hundreds of gathering fans.
“Finlay said he was really nervous but between him and his dad, they knew the answers and were the eventual winners.”
The Great Sankey High student had the honour of being the mascot and holding hands with City’s number 7 player Joao Cancelo, as he was led out on to the pitch before the match to meet the players and take in the atmosphere.
Finlay said: “Being the derby day mascot was the best day ever. I got to go into the dressing room, was shown round some of the stadium but the best part was meeting all the players and walking out onto the pitch with them and shaking all the players hands.”
“I’ve been a Manchester City fan like my dad since I was four years old. My mum who is a United fan wished I supported the same team as her and my grandad but I’m happy I chose City,” he added.
Finlay’s dad, Matt, was just as made up to watch his son go on the pitch with the other mascots before the match commenced.
“Being a big City fan myself this opportunity was like a dream come true. I didn’t want to let Finlay down in the quiz and was so pleased he got the opportunity to experience being the team mascot on derby day, a once in a lifetime experience.”
Finlay said how many of his friends had sent messages after seeing him appear on Sky Sports, who were showing the game live.
“The cheers from the crowd were so loud, it was amazing. All the players were high giving the mascots and asking us questions. Even some of the Man Utd players like Christiano Ronaldo said hi and gave me a high give!”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here