Athlone boy meets his Brazilian football hero

 

An eight-year-old Athlone boy had the trip of a lifetime when he met his hero Brazilian footballer Thiago Silva in Anfield at the weekend.

Football-mad Murilo Oliveira, who lives in Cushla in Monksland with his family, is a keen fan of the Brazilian team and, in particular, defender Thiago Silva, who plays his club football with Paris Saint-Germain in France.

Murilo's mother Monica Lima made contact with Silva and an advisor through a fan club page and it was hoped they could meet the Brazilian footballer at his hotel ahead of his country's friendly in Anfield against Croatia on Sunday.

Although that plan didn't work out, Thiago Silva saw a social media post from the young Athlonian and sent him a video message, promising to come to him in the stadium after the match if he could find him.

Young Murilo, who plays with local schoolboy club St Joseph's FC, held a poster aloft during the game with the words 'God is with you – Take a photo with me, Murilo'.

 

Young Murilo Oliveira with his sign.

Mum Monica Lima, Murilo Oliveira and Dad Anailton Oliveira

And at the end of the game, which Brazil won 2-0, the defender sought out the young Cloonakilla NS student – and his father Anailton Oliveira - in the crowd.

See the unbelievable moment here.

 

Silva also gifted the young Athlonian his shirt from the match.

Anailton told the Westmeath Independent that the family were thrilled with the meeting and said his son had an amazing time.

He said his wife had worked very hard to organise the special occasion.

The match in Liverpool became a large family event, with grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins all gathering to cheer on Brazil.

 

Murilo at Anfield with the shirt worn by Thiago Silva in the game against Croatia.

 

Relatives and friends gather for the match.