A Brazilian father and his two sons have travelled a whopping 6,000 miles from São Paulo in South America to attend tonight’s (February 11) game between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool at the Stadium of Light.
Dentist Marcelo Balsamo and his sons Luiz Felipe and Henrique arrived on Wearside yesterday (February 10) and after checking into the Boars Head Bistro and Hotel headed straight to the city centre to ensure they are all kitted out in their red and white shirts ready for tonight’s game against the reigning champions.
Marcelo Balsamo with his sons Luiz Felipe and Henrique ahead of tonight's game.placeholder image
Marcelo Balsamo with his sons Luiz Felipe and Henrique ahead of tonight's game. | Marcelo Balsamo
Speaking to the Echo Marcelo said: “We are very excited and will be in the middle of the Black Cats fans in the stadium.
“In São Paulo we support Palmeiras and we have even brought a flag with the symbol of the Brazilian fan network ‘Sunderland Brazil’.
“The reason for choosing to come to Sunderland for this game is because it's a big game and my sons are on college vacation.
“In Brazil, we are currently in the summer vacation period.”
The family have also brought their Sunderland AFC Brazil flag.placeholder image
The family have also brought their Sunderland AFC Brazil flag. | Submitted
Whilst Sunderland AFC may currently be riding high in the top flight, the family have not joined the Premier League bandwagon, and like many Black Cats fans have experienced the lows of following the club in League One - the lowest point in the club’s history.
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Marcelo said: “During the pandemic, we watched the first two seasons of the Netflix series Sunderland Til I Die and fell in love with the way the fans and the city of Sunderland approached football.
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“We made a promise to each other that if Sunderland got promoted to the Premier League, we would come to watch a game.”
During a three day visit to the city, the father and sons also hope to take in the city’s beach and lighthouse “if the rain ever stops”.
Marcelo added: “We hope to have look around the city the day after the game. Since arriving in Sunderland the people have been extremely welcoming.”
And on the all important outcome of the game, Marcelo said: “I think the Black Cats will win 2-0.”
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