Jack Grealish has been sent a message by Finlay, the boy who he dedicated his celebration to after scoring for England against Iran in the World Cup on Monday.
The playmaker put away Callum Wilson’s assist to score his country’s final goal in the 6-2 victory. After finding the net, he found the camera to do the arm-worm dance he promised Finlay he would do next time he scored.
The youngster, who lives with cerebral palsy, plays in Manchester City ’s CFA programme which provides a safe space for disabled children to enjoy football. Finlay met Grealish after sending his hero a letter after hearing his sister also has cerebral palsy.
READ MORE: 'I'm not the best dancer' - Grealish sends message to young fan after England goal
The letter touched the midfielder and earlier this month the pair had a conversation after Finlay’s team had just won a tournament at City’s training complex. Grealish offered to perform any celebration Finlay wanted next time he scored.
After persuading the 11-year-old against the idea of doing the worm, they instead both settled on the arm-worm, unbeknownst to either of them that Grealish’s next goal would come at the World Cup.
And sure enough, the 27-year-old remembered to perform the celebration after firing in his first goal at a major tournament for England. Explaining the dance post-match, Grealish said: "I met young Finlay about a month ago and got on really well with him, him having cerebral palsy like my sister as well.
"He asked me to do a celebration for him and luckily for him it came at the World Cup. " Finlay was overjoyed to see it and relayed how ecstatic he was to BBC Radio Manchester after the game.
He said: “That’s the best thing ever! He’s my best mate. I love you Grealish.” The City star came on as a second-half substitute in his first ever appearance at a World Cup.
He has Wilson - also making his World Cup bow - to thank for his selfless square ball after the Newcastle striker was sent clean through on goal on 90 minutes. England’s big win sees them top of Group B after Wales and USA drew 1-1.
The Three Lions next take on the US on Friday ahead of the final group match with Wales the following Tuesday.
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