Robbie Savage was left holding back tears live on BT Sport after his son scored his first goal in senior football.
Charlie Savage is on loan from Manchester United at League One strugglers Forest Green. The 19-year-old midfielder was making his fifth appearance for Duncan Ferguson’s side on Saturday as they hosted Bristol Rovers on Saturday afternoon.
Mirror columnist Robbie was on duty for BT Sport Score, covering Leicester vs Chelsea in the studio. But he couldn’t help but cry out in delight when news of his son’s goal came through on the screen in front of him.
He cut through the chat in the studio with a loud scream of excitement: “Yessss! My boy’s scored! Come on, my boy! Go on, my boy!”
Asked by presenter Jules Breach to sum up his emotions he added: “It’s emotional, that man. It’s class. Wow. All he’s been through, do you know what I mean? I’m proud of him.”
After being congratulated by his fellow pundits Steve Sidwell and Rachel Brown-Finnis, Robbie then jokingly asked if he could phone Charlie’s mum to let her know the good news.
He was full of emotion as he tried to regain his composure to focus on the task at hand.
Charlie gave Forest Green the lead after just 12 minutes, with the strike providing him with his first goal in senior football. The midfielder came through United’s academy and is now getting a taste of men’s football in League One.
Unfortunately for Charlie and his side, the goal did not bring in any points, with Rovers coming from behind to win 3-1 thanks to two goals from John Marquis and one from Scott Sinclair.
Forest Green are rooted to the bottom of League One and are now without a win in 15 games. Everton legend Ferguson was appointed manager in January, but is still yet to taste victory in his first full-time managerial position.
Charlie made his first-team debut for United back in December 2021, while his dad was on co-commentary for BT Sport. The youngster came off the bench at the end of a 1-1 draw with Young Boys in the Champions League group stage.
"Coming on for Manchester United is Charlie Savage for Juan Mata. Wow. I never believed I would say those words,” Robbie said on commentary.
"What a proud day for my boy. All the hard work. What a day for me, his mother, his nana, his grandparents and most importantly for Charlie Savage. I'm so proud of him, Darren. It's an amazing moment for him."