Young Man City fan's dream comes true with unforgettable trip to the Etihad to lead out the team with Erling Haaland

Published: Mon 16 Sep 2024, 3:04 PM

Last updated: Mon 16 Sep 2024, 3:22 PM

Louise Walsh

A young Meath soccer fanatic's dream was made come true when he accompanied his Manchester City idol onto the pitch ahead of a Premier League match at the weekend.

Eleven-year-old Tom Lynch who suffers from a very rare genetic condition, was elated to meet Erling Haaland and the rest of the players at the Etihad on Saturday.

The club took on Brentford FC to win by a goal.

Tom was named Fan of the Match at the game and even got a kiss and a hug from team manager Pep Guardiola.

The mascots watch from pitch side during the warm up before the Premier League match between Manchester City and Brentford at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England. Saturday 14th September 2024. (Photo by Lexy Ilsley/Manchester City FC) Photo by Lexy Ilsley

Although he is a wheelchair user because of the Dejerine Sottas Syndrome condition, it has never stopped his love for both soccer and GAA.

The young man from Kilskyre even came home with ten more Premiership jerseys to add to his existing collection of sports tops from soccer and GAA clubs and even American Football clubs across the world.

Manchester City players line up with their player mascots prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Brentford at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England. Saturday 14th September 2024. (Photo by Isaac Parkin/Manchester City FC) Photo by Isaac Parkin

Speaking after the match, mum Nikki said that Tom was 'over the moon'.

"He is just elated and can't wait to show all his friends the pictures and tell them about his experience," she said.

"He has always loved Manchester City, especially in the last few years but never got to a match before now. We knew someone who was able to get in touch with Manchester City and they kindly invited Tom and his family over for the weekend.

Erling Haaland of Manchester City walks out onto the pitch with their player mascot prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Brentford at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England. Saturday 14th September 2024. (Photo by Jon Super / action press) Photo by Jon Super

"There are normally about eleven mascots at a match but Tom was named as fan of the match so he was the only person who got to welcome the team into the dressing room ahead of the game.

"Jack Grealish stopped for a chat and all the players were so lovely to him, despite being under time pressures. Erling asked him was he ok before escorting him onto the pitch and Tom said the atmosphere was just pure gold. He won't forget this in a hurry.