LISVAN RODRIGUES

BENAULIM: Goans are a lucky clan indeed! With world class players making appearances for their country's U-17 team, a few of Goan Manchester City fans got a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet promising players -- Joel Latibeaudiere, Phil Foden, and goalkeeper Curtis Anderson.

The young fans made their way to the Benaulim training ground on the humid Friday wearing Man City outfits to cheer the young Citizens -- three of who play for England U-17.

“We all support different teams but on Saturday we will support England because of the Man City youngsters playing for the team. Foden had a man-of-the-match performance against Manchester United in the pre-season friendly in USA. He along with two other players have been upgraded to the Manchester City first team, Joel is the U-19 captain for the Citizens and to see players like them in Goa – it is a dream come true,”  Akio Fernandes, president and co-founder Man City Supporters Club, said. 

Phil Foden was part of the Manchester City first team squad for the US tour this summer and he responded with a number of impressive displays while Joel Latibeaudiere, who has displayed some excellent football in the U-17 World Cup is the captain for Manchester City U-19 team and vice captain of U-17 England whereas Curtis Anderson guided England to the quarter-finals stage after he saved and scored penalty in the last 16 victory. 

“It’s been an immense pleasure and unbelievable experience for me to meet the future stars of a team I support. It's a moment to cherish. We will come for the game on Saturday and cheer for the side, make our presence felt,” Saif Sheikh, a fan who was present during the training session, said.

Speaking during the pre-match conference England U-17 coach Steve Cooper expressed his happiness about coming to Goa and stated that he always wanted his team to play a fixture because of fan following for English football. 

“We are very happy to be here. I really hoped to get the boys here after I visited Goa for the first time. It was because there is a lot of interest in English football here and I feel there will be support for England on Saturday because there are a lot of supporters of Premier League and English football in general, that’ll be great,” Cooper said.