England star Jack Grealish called Manchester City supporter Finlay on Tuesday to reflect on his goal celebration in the thumping win over Iran.
Grealish went viral on Monday afternoon by performing a unique dance move after tapping in England’s sixth goal in their 6-2 victory at the World Cup. After celebrating the goal and thanking fellow substitute Callum Wilson for the assist, the 27-year-old winger performed a little jig with his arms outstretched.
The celebration was in tribute to 11-year-old fan Finlay, who met Grealish earlier this year and asked him to perform the move when he next scored. Grealish has formed a bond with Finlay, who has cerebral palsy, like his younger sister Holly, and was only too happy to oblige.
Grealish video-called Finlay on Tuesday from England’s training base in Qatar to catch up with his biggest fan and discuss the celebration and the youngster’s new-found fame. Finlay revealed that he’d initially thought Grealish had forgotten about the agreement due to his delay in celebrating.
“Nah, I didn’t forget!” Grealish replied. “Do you know what? I nearly scored last week [for Manchester City ] against Chelsea and I thought ‘I’m going to do it tonight’. I just felt like I was going to score, but I didn’t score.
“To be fair, I didn't think I was going to score yesterday, because the game was a bit gone by the time I came on, but I was buzzing to get a goal and then I could do my little celebration just for you.
"You were always in the back of my mind, mate. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Grealish’s celebration went viral on social media in the aftermath of England’s commanding win and Finlay has become an overnight celebrity. The young Man City fan has been invited on television to discuss his relationship with the England star, who joked he “must be famous” at school now.
Speaking after the game, Grealish explained his delight at the moment. He said: "I met young Finlay before about a month or ago. Got on, obviously, and really well with him.
"Him obviously, having cerebral palsy like my little sister as well so he asked me to do a celebration for him and luckily for him it came at the World Cup.
"That's what it's all about. For me it's just doing a celebration, that will mean the world to him I'm sure. Especially me doing it at the World Cup, so Finlay, that one's for you."
Finlay appeared on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday to talk about the situation. The youngster, who plays football at City in the Community, said the whole experience had left him "starstruck". He added: "I just can't believe it. It feels like a dream come true."
