The Sunderland favourite took time out to surprise a supporter with a personal birthday message over FaceTime
Luke O'Nien has once again underlined why he is such a hugely popular figure on Wearside after going out of his way to create a special moment for a Sunderland supporter.
The Sunderland defender, a double promotion winner with the Black Cats, was spotted by Leanne Fisher while out for coffee with friends. What followed was a small gesture that meant a great deal. O’Nien was asked to send a birthday message to Leanne’s daughter, Aimee Fisher. Rather than simply record a short video, O’Nien insisted on speaking to Aimee directly, taking time to chat and share a laugh despite being out with his own family.
“Basically I was out for coffee with my friends and spotted him with his kids,” Leanne told The Echo. “I didn’t want to disturb him but I knew how much my daughter idolises him and would kill me for not getting a photo. I asked if he could help me with a quick favour as my daughter loves him and he said sure would you like photo? I said well actually could you record a quick message wishing her happy birthday, she’s 21 in a few days and he said get her on FaceTime and I’ll tell her personally!
“As it was dialling, I said I’m worried she might not answer as she was out drinking last night she’ll probably still be in bed as she stayed at her friends… her and her friend actually woke up to the ringtone of the video call confused. In shock and he said hello did you enjoy your night ladies?! And wished her a happy birthday for next week. They were chatting for a while whilst his son was showing me his sticker collection! She said please don’t ever leave everyone loves you, when you stop playing can you go into coaching? He said no problem.”
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It is the latest example of the bond he has built with supporters since arriving at the Stadium of Light in 2018. O’Nien played a central role in Sunderland’s rise from League One back to the Premier League, helping deliver double promotion and becoming a key leader within the dressing room. His popularity extends beyond football. He previously helped rescue a dog from drowning on a Sunderland beach, performing CPR to revive the animal, and has also stopped to assist a stranded motorist in the North East.
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